In a significant political shift, Councillor Mike Young, the former leader of the Hartlepool Borough Council, has left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK. This transition stems from Young’s diminishing confidence in the Conservative leadership, both at the local and national levels. He boldly asserted that just one party—Reform UK—has the comprehensive answers needed to tackle the challenges faced by both Hartlepool and the wider country.
Young’s departure marks a crucial moment in Hartlepool’s council dynamics, as he becomes the fourth Reform UK councillor in the local authority, which is predominantly led by the Labour Party. His resignation not only highlights a shift in personal allegiance but also underscores a broader trend of disillusionment among some members of the Conservative Party, with Young being the second Conservative to defect in recent months.
Elected initially in a by-election in July 2018, Councillor Young has enjoyed a notable tenure as a member of Hartlepool Borough Council, serving most recently as its leader during the 2023/24 municipal year. He commented on his decision, stating, “I no longer have confidence that the Conservative Party, nationally or locally, can provide the leadership to meet the challenges facing our town and our country.” This declaration reflects a growing sentiment among certain council members who feel abandoned by the party’s evolving priorities and strategies.
During his leadership period, Young emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the progress made in Hartlepool would not be jeopardized or lost due to political maneuverings. He expressed pride in the economic development initiatives undertaken during his term, aimed at promoting investment and regeneration in the area.
He joins a list of other councillors who have recently switched their political affiliations, potentially indicating a trend of increasing instability within traditional party structures. Notably, Amanda Napper was the first to secure a seat for Reform UK on the council since 2021 after winning in the Throston by-election this past May.
Shortly after Napper’s victory, another Conservative, Rob Darby, followed suit by defecting to Reform UK, citing feeling disillusioned and let down by what he described as “so many broken promises.” This trajectory indicates a significant rift within the Conservative ranks as members like Darby and Young seek alternatives that they believe may better align with their local and national aspirations.
Young’s switch to Reform UK raises questions regarding the future composition and strategic direction of the Hartlepool Borough Council. Currently, the council features a diverse political representation: 22 Labour members, five independents, four Conservatives, and four Reform UK councillors, alongside one from the Independent Union. Such a landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for the new Reform UK members to exert influence and contribute to local governance.
The dynamics of local governance in Hartlepool are critical, especially given the council’s leadership under Labour, which may shape policy and public spending decisions in the region. As these former Conservatives voice their concerns and align with Reform UK, they aim to carve out a new space in the political ecosystem of Hartlepool.
The BBC has reached out to other local Conservatives for comment on this unfolding situation, though reactions remain sparse thus far. These developments signify a transformative phase for local politics and are reflective of larger national trends, revealing growing dissatisfaction with traditional political frameworks and fostering a gradual reshaping of local political allegiances. It remains to be seen how these changes will influence both Hartlepool and the political landscape beyond.
