Reform UK defectors reject calls for by-election

The article discusses the case of two former Conservative councillors who have joined the Reform UK party. Despite calls for them to hold by-elections in their respective constituencies, the defectors have rejected these demands, arguing that there is no precedent for such an action when a councillor switches political parties. The article notes that the two councillors, who previously represented the Conservative Party, have now aligned themselves with the Reform UK party. This move has prompted calls for them to resign and face re-election in their constituencies. However, the councillors maintain that there is no legal requirement for them to do so, as there is no established precedent for such a scenario. The article highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the role of party affiliation in local government and the expectations of elected officials when they change their political allegiances. It suggests that the case may raise questions about the rights and responsibilities of councillors and the extent to which they are accountable to their constituents when they switch parties.