By John Baron
A Pudsey councillor has announced her switch to Reform UK, becoming the party’s first sitting representative on Leeds City Council.
Cllr Trish Smith, who has represented Pudsey Ward since 2019, made the announcement during a Reform UK fundraising event held in Leeds city centre on Saturday evening.
Cllr Smith was originally elected as a Conservative in both 2019 and 2023 local election but resigned last May and has since sat as an independent councillor
She said her decision to join Reform UK was based on listening to the views of residents and recognising the need for greater local influence and action.
“I’ve spoken to many residents and read what people are saying online,” Cllr Smith added.
“The message is clear — people feel let down and want change. Reform UK offers a platform to work for that change, with values that align closely to my own: common sense, courage, and putting community first.”
Her speech at Saturday’s Reform UK event acknowledged the potential criticism of changing party allegiance but claimed the move was a’ response to real local issues rather than national political ambition’. She added: “It’s not about power or party games.
“I was elected to serve, not to rule. Being part of a very small independent group was no longer sustainable — I need to be part of something that can make real changes.”
Cllr Smith’s speech referenced figures such as Winston Churchill — who crossed the floor twice — and Reform UK’s deputy leader Lee Anderson as examples of politicians making what she said was a ‘principled party change’.
“It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly,” she added. “I know not everyone will agree, and that genuinely hurts. But I believe we must stand up for policies that are fit for purpose and restore hope in our communities.”
Reaction
Pudsey Conservative councillor Simon Seary criticised Cllr Smith’s switch on social media. He wrote: “Her statement talks about ‘honesty’ and ‘accountability’ – while switching parties without once asking the public who actually elected her.
“Residents deserve consistency and integrity, not political career-hopping.
“When I first stood as a Conservative in 2015, I lost. I lost again in 2016. But in 2018 I won, and was proud to be re-elected in 2022.
“Campaigning and serving as a councillor takes hard work and commitment. I’ve never been swayed by national swings or headlines. Pudsey deserves councillors who put the community first, not those who change parties when the polls suit.”
Full statement
Cllr Smith posted an announcement on Facebook on Saturday evening.
She wrote: “I’m proud to announce that I am joining Reform UK and becoming the party’s first councillor on Leeds City Council.
“This decision comes after a great deal of reflection and conversation not just with colleagues, but with the people I was elected to represent. My heart had always been in local service, and I’ve always believed that politics should be about people, not party lines.
“Since stepping away from party politics, I’ve had the opportunity to sit as an Independent and listen more closely than ever to what matters most to our communities: honesty, accountability, and real action. What I’ve seen is a growing frustration, a sense that too many are being ignored by the very people elected to serve them.
“Reform UK offers a real alternative a movement rooted in common sense, courage, and commitment to the people. It speaks to those who feel left behind, and it stands up for communities like ours that deserve better.
“That’s why I’ve chosen to join. Not out of ambition, but out of belief belief in something better for Pudsey, for Leeds, and for the country.
“To my residents: I will continue to work tirelessly for you, now with the backing of a party that shares my values and determination. Thank you for your continued support it means the world.”
Leeds City Council political makeup
Labour has 60 out of 99 councillors, Conservatives 14, Greens 6, Liberal Democrats 6, Morley Borough Independents 4, Garforth & Swillington Independents 3, SDP 3, Independent 1, Reform UK 1, vacant 1.
Shouldn’t be allowed. This goes for switching for ALL political parties.
You are elected for specific reasons.
If you want to switch you should have to restand for election.
“Lee Anderson as examples of politicians making what she said was a ‘principled party change’”. . . HA HA HA. . . .”principled” . . .HA HA HA!
You can’t ask for people’s vote and then switch to another party. You should run for election showing your true colours.
Remember she was a lifelong Lib but switched to Tory to get elected on the back of Simon Seary’s fine work before alienating herself with a public strop. Clearly unelectable as an independent as she’s universally disliked by so many people but is quite happy to sell herself yet again as she knows the uneducated, hard of thinking reform voters will support her. Disgusting, self-serving woman.
The seat should be up for reelection now or handed to another Candidate. We surly vote for a party not an individual, who swaps to persue a career, what are her views????