- Labour councillor Mason Humberstone has defected to Reform UK, marking the first time an elected Labour representative has joined Nigel Farage's party.
- Mr Humberstone, who represented Old Town ward in Stevenage, stated his former party is "lost, without vision" and "mired in scandal", claiming it speaks for a "metropolitan elite".
- The defection is expected to raise concerns within Labour HQ about potential further defections and its appeal to key demographics like the "Stevenage Woman".
- Stevenage Labour MP Kevin Bonavia expressed deep disappointment, while council leader Richard Henry accused Mr Humberstone of "jumping ship for personal and political gain" and called for a by-election.
- Mr Henry also highlighted Mr Humberstone's poor attendance record at council and committee meetings, suggesting a lack of dedication to his role.
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