Reform UK has expanded its representation on North Somerset Council with the addition of Andy Cole, the independent councillor for Nailsea Golden Valley. Cole, a long-serving local politician, officially joined the right-wing party this month, expressing his belief that Reform UK is uniquely positioned to restore Britain to its former stature.
Having served as a councillor since 1995, Cole was previously a Liberal Democrat until 2011. Though elected as an independent, he has aligned with the Conservative group on the council. Cole stated, “Both nationally and locally, I have seen the country I love decline, and Reform is offering real solutions to turn things around. As a district councillor, I want to see sensible control of spending on the issues that matter most to residents, rather than wasting money on ideological projects.”
Cole’s switch marks the second defection to Nigel Farage’s party on North Somerset Council, following Stuart Davies—councillor for Wick St Lawrence and St Georges—who joined Reform UK in February 2025 after departing the Liberal Democrat group over political differences.
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Though Reform UK did not field candidates in the 2023 full local elections for North Somerset Council, they have made strong showings in recent by-elections, narrowly missing a seat in Clevedon by just 16 votes earlier this year.
The upcoming full council elections, scheduled for next year, will test Reform UK’s growing influence. Since 2019, the council has been governed by a “partnership administration” comprising the Liberal Democrats, independents, Labour, Greens, and Portishead Independents.
A Reform UK spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about Cole’s decision: “We are delighted to welcome Andy to Reform UK. He is an excellent addition to our growing team in the South West as we build towards the May elections.”