Reform UK has strengthened its presence on North Somerset Council with the addition of Andy Cole, the independent councillor for Nailsea Golden Valley. Cole, a longstanding local politician since 1995, announced his decision to join the right-wing party this month, expressing confidence in Reform UK’s vision for Britain’s future.
“I believe they are the only party capable of restoring Britain to the great nation it once was,” Cole said. Formerly a Liberal Democrat until 2011, Cole had been serving as an independent, though he previously aligned with the Conservative group on the council.
Discussing his reasons for the shift, Cole emphasized the need for practical governance. “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.”
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Cole’s move follows that of Stuart Davies, who became Reform UK’s first councillor on North Somerset Council earlier this year. Davies, representing Wick St Lawrence and St Georges, was initially an independent affiliated with the Liberal Democrat group before his departure amid political disagreements.
Although Reform UK did not contest the full local elections in 2023, the party has shown growing support in recent by-elections, narrowly missing a seat in Clevedon by just 16 votes in February 2026 after placing third in Long Ashton in November 2025.
Looking ahead to the full local elections next year, the council continues to be managed by a coalition of Liberal Democrats, independents, Labour, Greens, and Portishead Independents.
A Reform UK spokesperson commented, “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.”