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Vale Reform Councillor defects to Restore Britain

Saturday, 18 April 2026 10:14

A councillor elected last year in a by-election in the Iltydd ward of Barry has defected to Restore Britain.

Councillor Brandon Dood was elected as Reform's first Vale Councillor after beating Plaid Cymru by 80 votes in September 2025.

At the time of his election, Reform UK Wales congratulated Dodd - but now, he's turned his back on the party, stating it has "morphed into exactly the same as if not worse than the tired old parties it once claimed to oppose."

In a letter addressed to residents, Dodd said "I am writing to confirm my decision to resign from Reform UK and join Restore Britain. I remain fully committed to serving the residents of Illtyd and will continue in my role as your county councillor under Restore Britain.

“I joined Reform UK last year full of hope. I believed it would be the party for people who were disillusioned with politics, politicians and the broken establishment, a real voice for ordinary hard-working families who feel ignored and betrayed by Westminster and Cardiff Bay.

“Instead, over the short time I have been a member, Reform has morphed into exactly the same as if not worse than the tired old parties it once claimed to oppose. It now stands for everything and nothing. Empty slogans, broken promises and the same old establishment games.The party I joined no longer exists.

“Over the past few weeks, I have become increasingly concerned by developments relating to Senedd candidates and internal matters within Reform UK. These issues have made it crystal clear that I can no longer, in good conscience remain a member. This was not an easy decision but staying would mean betraying the very principles that drove me into politics in the first place.

“During my time with Reform, I was repeatedly overlooked and treated as little more than a placeholder for future candidates. Many others have experienced the same neglect and unfulfilled promises. As someone who values strong personal morals and integrity above all else, I found myself with neither the freedom nor the support needed to fight effectively for the people I represent.

“My priority has always been and will always remain the residents of Illtyd, not party games or internal egos. That is why I am joining Restore Britain. It is proving to be the bold, honest and principled alternative that Reform promised but failed to deliver.

“I aim to work diligently to build this new party and ensure it does not follow the same destructive path as Reform. We will not always agree on everything, but our country desperately needs a better future and a political vehicle that will stick firly to its core values and principles without compromise.

“Nothing changes for you on the ground. I will continue holding my surgeries, handling casework and fighting hard for the issues that matter most to our community.”

Restore Britain was founded by Rupert Lowe, who was elected as a Reform MP for Great Yarmouth at the 2024 General Election. Lowe formed the party after he fell out with Reform Leader Nigel Farage and was accused of threatening physical violence against the party's then chairman Zia Yusuf.

Dodd is the latest local Councillor to defect to Reform, with Bridgend Councillor Owain Clatworthy - who previously featured on Reform UK's Senedd List for Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg announcing that he'd joined Restore Bri

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