UKIP’s only councillor on Wychavon District Council has defected to the Conservatives and blamed the party’s disarray for quitting.
Coun Ged Bearcroft, who was only elected last May as the member for Great Hampton, said he made his decision after the party achieved it’s ultimate goal of getting Britain out of the European Union.
His decision to quit now means UKIP no longer has any councillors on Wychavon District Council, and Coun Bearcroft will now join the 38 Conservative councillors who dominate and run the authority.
Speaking to the Observer on his decision to quit, Coun Bearcroft said: “Last May I was elected to Wychavon District Council for the Great Hampton Ward as a UKIP councillor.
“Since then UKIP achieved its objective of setting Britain on course to leave the EU, something the majority of voters in Wychavon like me supported.
“UKIP’s job was done and then UKIP as an organisation has steadily fallen apart, fights, three leaders and resignations up and down the country.
“Personally this has made me rethink my role and I have decided to join the Conservative Party to work with the successful team of Conservative District and County councillors who I can assure you are doing their best to make Evesham an even better place to live.”
Since the referendum result in June, UKIP has been in turmoil with councillors across the country quitting the party, a fight between two UKIP MEPs in the European Parliament and Diane James led the party for just 18 days before quitting.
New leader Paul Nuttall has vowed to unite and rebuild the party and go after Labour in their northern strongholds.
