Another Dudley councillor defects to Reform

A councillor has joined the Reform group on Dudley Council - his third party since being elected in 2024.

Councillor Peter Drake, who represents Coseley ward, announced that he had joined Reform, which is the main opposition party in Dudley.

His defection means that Reform now hold 22 of the borough’s 72 seats, just five behind the controlling Conservative group.

Councillor Drake said: “I’ve decided to join Reform UK because I believe it offers the fresh approach and clear direction that local government needs.

“I want to work with colleagues who are serious about tackling the issues that matter to residents and making Dudley Council work better for the people it serves.”

Councillor Drake has represented Coseley since he was first elected Labour councillor for the ward in 2019.

He was re-elected in 2024, but was one of six Labour councillors who quit the following year to form the Dudley Independent Group - which was later renamed the Black Country Party.

However, in July he left the Black Country Party to sit as an independent, citing differences of opinion on immigration in particular.

He said at the time: “I have huge respect for my colleagues with whom I collaborated as part of Dudley Independent Group after leaving Labour and then as part of The Black Country Party.

“However, it has become increasingly obvious that many of my beliefs and opinions do not align with those of The Black Country Party.

“The Black Country Party holds to progressive attitudes on matters such as migration, diversity and multi-culturalism.

“It is impossible to reconcile these with my concerns regarding the consequences of mass migration and reckless mismanagement of what is probably the largest movement of peoples in human history.”

Councillor Marco Longhi, leader of the Reform opposition group on Dudley Council, said Councillor Drake’s decision was another boost for the group.

“We are building a strong, determined group focused on delivering the change residents want and holding the council to account,” he said.

“Peter will be a valuable addition to that effort.”

Councillor Shaun Keasey, deputy group leader, added: “Reform is going from strength to strength in Dudley.

“Peter brings valuable local experience, and I look forward to working with him as we push for better services, greater accountability and value for taxpayers.”

Councillor Drake will be Coseley’s second Reform councillor, joining Councillor Sat Sherwani who took the seat at May’s election.

Councillor Sherwani said: “I’m delighted Peter has joined us. We know the challenges facing our communities, and having more councillors working together under the Reform banner puts us in a stronger position to deliver real change.”