Stevenage councillor becomes first in England to quit Labour and join Reform UK
Mason Humberstone, who was elected last year, says he made the move because Labour has lost its way.
Last updated 17th Sep 2025
A Labour borough councillor has become the first in England to leave the party for Reform UK.
Mason Humberstone, who was elected to represent Old Town ward in Stevenage in May 2023, is now the only Reform member sitting on the Labour-run authority.
Announcing his defection on Wednesday, he said the party he previously supported was "lost, without vision" and "mired in scandal".
Labour MP for Stevenage Kevin Bonavia said he was "deeply disappointed" in the move, while council leader Richard Henry accused Mr Humberstone of "jumping ship for personal and political gain" and called for a by-election.
Explaining his decision, the councillor said: "I've battled with this decision for some time. But deep down, I know it's the right call.
"It isn't ordinary, hardworking people in Stevenage and across our country who've left Labour - Labour has left us."
Mr Bonavia, who was elected to the seat in 2024, said: "I am deeply disappointed in Cllr Humberstone for defecting to another party who thrive on fear and division and have no practical solutions for our country's future."
He urged Mr Humberstone to "do the right thing" and resign to seek a fresh mandate in a new election, adding: "I will not be distracted by political opportunism as I continue to focus on working day and night to secure positive changes for our town and villages as our local MP."
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, council leader Mr Henry said: "I made every attempt, above and beyond what would be considered reasonable, to accommodate and mentor Cllr Humberstone as he brought many challenges to the table in terms of his attendance, punctuality, adherence to commitments, dedication to the role and much more."
In the last year, Mr Humberstone has been to 10 of the 33 council and committee meetings he was expected to attend.
He is the first sitting Labour councillor in England to switch to Nigel Farage's party, following former Scottish Labour councillor Jamie McGuire's move earlier this year.