Third councillor leaves Walsall Reform group since May election triumph

A councillor says he has quit Walsall’s controlling Reform UK group, saying his resignation was necessary to effectively represent the people of his ward.

Councillor Daniel Rollinson is the third member of the Walsall Reform UK group to quit since the party’s triumph in the May council elections.

But Councillor Rollinson said that while he was quitting the Walsall group, he remained a member of the national party.

Councillor Rollinson was one of three Reform councillors elected for New Invention ward in May’s election, which saw the party take control, winning 40 of the 60 seats on the council.

But since then, Councillors Bella Simon and Robin Perry have left the party, and now sit as independents.

This week Councillor Simon held a poll on Facebook asking residents whether she should join Restore UK, continue as an independent, or resign from the council.

Councillor Rollinson said: “I have taken this step because the way the group is currently run means I can no longer represent you as effectively as I wish.

“The residents of New Invention have always been my priority, and always will be.”

He expressed gratitude for the support he had received since being elected, and pledged to continue working hard for the ward.

“That will never change,” he added.

Councillor Simon said she had been suspended from the party for protecting councillors’ rights, and said Councillor Rollinson had found himself in the same position.

“Dan did the same thing, it was only a matter of time, and [he] had a chance to walk before he was pushed; I didn’t have that chance,” she said.

“Things are not right at Walsall Reform.”

Councillor Elaine Williams, leader of Walsall Council, was contacted for comment.