Former Tory candidate defects to Reform UK in Gwent

A former Conservative Parliamentary candidate in Gwent has become the second Tory councillor to jump ship to Reform UK.

Nicholas Jones, who stood for the Conservatives in Newport West and Islwyn at the 2024 general election, has joined Reform UK and will now represent the party on Pontypool Community Council.

Mr Jones came third in the 2024 election, behind Labour’s Ruth Jones and Reform UK, who claimed second place.

He joins fellow defector Stephen Senior, who was elected as a Conservative in February before switching to Reform. The party is also represented on the council by Sarah Lang, elected in Trevethin ward in July.

Mr Jones previously served as a Torfaen Borough Councillor for New Inn ward but lost his seat in the 2022 council elections, finishing last as Labour swept all three seats. He remained a community councillor for New Inn Upper ward in an uncontested election.

In a statement, Mr Jones said: “The Conservative Party in Wales has stopped listening and has run out of ideas. In order to better represent my community and the aspirations of the hard working people of this nation, I have joined Reform UK. To my former colleagues and to people across Wales, I ask you to join us on this journey to break up the political consensus and bring prosperity back to our left behind communities.”

The defection leaves the Conservatives with just two members on Pontypool Community Council, which has 16 Labour councillors.