A Labour councillor in Hounslow has quit the party and joined Reform UK, becoming the borough’s first member to sit under the party’s banner.
Councillor Bandna Chopra, who represents Hounslow West, has been a Labour councillor for 12 years, and a member of the party for 20 years.
Speaking to Prabhdeep Singh, Chair of Hounslow Reform, she said: “The Labour Party promised to bring change to the country and to the local councils, but I feel they have failed, I feel they have not delivered on the services that they promised to deliver for local residents.
“I feel that Reform is a party that can take on the challenge.”
Mr Singh added: “Reform UK is the only solution if you want to overhaul Hounslow Borough, or the country overall.”
Cllr Chopra, who has lived in the borough for most of her life, attended both school and college locally. Outside of politics she works as an IT professional, consultant in Banking and an ex-president of the Women in Banking and Finance group of the City of London.
Cllr Chopra was de-selected as a Labour candidate ahead of the local elections on 7 May. Ted Wall, a campaign coordinator for Hounslow Labour, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We’re not sure whose standards are lower, Cllr Chopra or Reform.
“It’s a match made in heaven, the deselected Labour councillor and the party which has become a dumping ground for those who have failed to be successful in the mainstream parties. She has found the only party with an entry bar low enough to have her as a candidate. Her move to Reform is as ridiculous as it is desperate.”
Cllr Chopra has held regular surgeries and ward walkabout inspections with Hounslow Highways, identifying repairs and improvements, as well as tackling fly-tipping and ensured businesses in the area were trading legally.
In a later statement, Cllr Chopra said: “Today I am delighted to be joining Reform UK. Hounslow urgently needs a fresh vision, as the current administration no longer reflects the priorities of local residents.
“Both the Conservative and Labour parties have failed communities at both local and national levels, and I believe Reform UK is the party best placed to deliver the improvements Hounslow needs.
“I look forward to continuing my work as a council member, now with the renewed support of Reform UK, to deliver the changes my residents deserve.”
A Reform UK spokesperson said: “We are delighted to welcome Bandna to Reform UK. She is an excellent addition to our growing team of councillors as we build towards the May elections.”
