Sandwell councillor quits Labour days after praising budget and joins right-wing party

Councillor Wilkes, who represents the Princes End ward in Tipton, was elected for the Conservatives in 2022 before quitting the party and joining Labour in 2024.

Then in September last year he had posted but then quickly deleted a statement saying he had quit Labour.

Advance UK was formed last year and is led by former Reform UK deputy leader and Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib.

The party’s website says it “promotes and celebrates the nation’s Christian constitution, roots, traditions, culture, and values".

Councillor Wilkes voted in favour of Labour’s 2026/27 budget at a full council meeting on Tuesday (February 24) calling his former party’s financial proposals “a good budget".

In a press release announcing the move, Councillor Wilkes said: “I have watched successive governments allow immigration to rise to record levels, transforming towns like my own at a pace and on a scale that the public was never properly consulted on.

“That has led to a deep loss of trust in politics.

“Britain needs a pause — time to rebuild social cohesion, restore overstretched services, and ensure that change happens in a way that is fair and sustainable.

“I have also been frustrated by the unwillingness of some political leaders to acknowledge the seriousness of these concerns or to commit to enforcing the law where it is being broken.

“Strong words are not enough — the country needs action.

“Above all, my motivation is my children’s future. I want them to grow up in a Britain that is secure, confident, and united.

“I believe Advance UK is the movement prepared to be honest about the challenges we face and to take the necessary steps to address them.”

Councillor Wilkes was elected for the Conservatives in the Princes End ward in 2022 with 856 votes – just 31 seats ahead of Labour – but had left the party by the start of 2024 before joining Labour.

Last September, Councillor Wilkes revealed on social media that he had decided to leave Labour and would be sitting as an independent.

The posts were quickly deleted with Councillor Wilkes seemingly remaining as a Labour councillor.

He had tweeted: “I have made the difficult decision to resign my membership of the Labour Party.

“I joined the Labour Party believing their promises to change the country, but their promises have not been fulfilled.

“I can no longer support the way the party is governing.

“I will now sit as an Independent councillor, as I cannot support a party that does not align with my principles. I remain committed to working hard for our local communities and representing the people who elected me.”

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council said: “It is deeply disappointing that Councillor Wilkes has taken this decision.

“In May, residents of Sandwell and Princes End will face a clear choice, continued progress and stability with Labour, or a path of division under Reform and parties such as Advance UK.

“While others seek to divide communities and pit neighbour against neighbour, we remain focused on delivering for local people.”

Advance UK leader Ben Habib said: “David Wilkes is a councillor motivated not by careerism but by a genuine concern for his community and for the future of our country.

“He speaks for many who feel that the political class has stopped listening.

“His decision to join Advance UK reflects the growing movement of principled representatives who understand that leadership means honesty, courage, and action in the national interest.

“We are delighted to welcome him.”