William Jones, North Somerset’s newest Reform UK councillor, is optimistic about his party’s prospects in the forthcoming local elections. He secured his seat for the Hutton and Locking ward in a by-election held on Thursday, 10 September, marking the first time Reform UK has won a seat in the area directly, rather than through defection. With all seats on North Somerset Council up for election on 6 May 2027, Mr Jones is preparing for another campaign within the next eight months.
“I predict that we are going to do very well,” said Mr Jones. “We are in a good position. We have three strong local branches, and it’s all to play for.”
Previously a Conservative, working for both Conservative Campaign Headquarters and local MP John Penrose, Mr Jones expressed disappointment with his former party’s performance in the 2024 General Election. The Conservatives lost Weston-super-Mare for the first time since 2005 and the North Somerset constituency altogether. He added, “Even the members and councillors did not want to campaign, so you couldn’t really expect the residents to vote.”
READ MORE: Wholegrain food intake significantly reduces heart disease risk, new study finds
READ MORE: Bath man spared jail after attempting sexual communication with supposed underage girls
Mr Jones was drawn to Reform UK’s policies, including its long-term aim to raise the personal tax allowance to £20,000. Currently employed in the discharge team at Weston General Hospital, he works alongside a considerable number of immigrant workers. Mr Jones emphasised, “There is nothing wrong with immigrant workers; it’s about how we protect them in comparison to those who come here illegally. People come over here on small boats and do what they want. It’s unfair.”
It should be noted that individuals claiming asylum in the UK via any route are not permitted to work while their application is assessed. Those without means may receive accommodation and a support payment of £49.18 per week (£9.95 when meals are provided), which has led to controversial government arrangements housing asylum seekers in hotels.
The by-election was triggered by the passing of Conservative councillor Terry Porter in June, who had represented Hutton and Locking on North Somerset Council for 17 years. Mr Jones had previously campaigned alongside Mr Porter against a local housing development. Following his election victory, Mr Jones remarked on Facebook: “Councillor Porter was a dedicated and passionate councillor for Hutton and Locking for many years, and he’s left some mighty big shoes to fill.”
As a councillor, Mr Jones intends to actively engage with residents about planned housing developments, encouraging them to express their support or objections. He stated, “For me, being a councillor is going door to door. I can’t just be elected and sit in a council chamber all day and expect things to go my way.”
In the by-election, Mr Jones received 706 votes, accounting for 38% of the vote, narrowly defeating Liberal Democrat Georgina Barry, who secured 612 votes. Notably, Reform UK did not field candidates in the full council elections held in 2023.
Hutton and Locking is one of several North Somerset wards represented by two councillors. The other current councillor is Mike Solomon, an independent who sits with the Liberal Democrat group.