Former Reform councillor joins Lib Dems

A former Reform UK councillor has joined the Liberal Democrats.

Kathryn Shaw was first elected to West Northamptonshire Council when Reform took overall control from the Conservatives in May 2025.

But she quit Nigel Farage's party in March, becoming an independent, and has now joined the Lib Dem group.

"Over the past eight months, I've had a lot of time to reflect on what matters most to me, both as a councillor and as a person," said Shaw, who represents Upton ward.

"For me, it has always been about people before politics, with children, families and our communities at the forefront of everything I do."

After being elected with Reform last year, she became portfolio holder for children, families and education. She stepped down from the role at the start of 2026.

Her move to the Lib Dems takes the group's total to eight councillors and makes it the joint second-largest opposition party at the council alongside Labour, which also has eight.

Lib Dem group leader Jonathan Harris added: "We are delighted that Kathryn has decided to join the Liberal Democrats.

"It is clear that Kathryn is passionate about making a difference to the people of West Northants."

Reform still has a sizeable majority on the council, with 39 members. The Conservatives have 17, Restore Britain has two and there are two independent councillors.

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