St Helens Council leader criticises councillor for switching to Reform UK
Cllr David Hawley announced his move from the Green Party to Reform UK
St Helens Council’s leader has slammed a fellow councillor who joined Reform UK after defecting from the Green Party.
Reform UK has welcomed Cllr David Hawley, who represents the Bold and Lea Green ward, to the party.
Cllr Hawley said he is “proud” to have joined Reform UK after defecting from the Green Party.
Council leader Cllr Anthony Burns, Labour, raised the issue during the full council meeting on Wednesday.
Cllr Burns said Cllr Hawley announced that he is “crossing the floor from one side of the political spectrum to the other”.
“Moving from a party that campaigned on a platform of social justice and climate action to one that receives a substantial share of its funding from individuals and entities linked to the fossil fuel industry and climate science denial groups,” added Cllr Burns.
“This is not an easy message to convey to the residents in Bold and Lea Green, who elected him based on the policies of his former party.
“His decision leaves those same residents with just one voice out of the three they voted for – a move that feels like a blow to democracy and a choice made by him without regard for the people that he represents.”
As reported yesterday, Cllr Hawley said during his time as a councillor he has “passionately” worked alongside the local community to better protect green spaces, improve public transport and engage with local schools.
“However, my views no longer align with my previous party, on a national and local level,” he added.
“I voted for Brexit to take back control of Britain’s borders and lower immigration, yet the government failed to do so.
“It is time for me to join the party which best represents the views of myself and the people of St Helens in order to act on the improvements I have long strived for.
“I am excited to be joining an expanding team of Reform UK councillors to really tackle the issues many of the residents have previously raised with me.
“I have lived in St Helens my whole life and I look forward to bringing a brighter and more hopeful future to the town.”