Councillor who quit Tories and resigned in 'one-man protest' over cancelled local elections wins for Reform in landslide

After joining Reform UK, Councillor Kirk resigned his seat on the council and triggered a by-election, allowing the voters of Marshland North to decide his fate.

On Friday, he secured victory with 54.9 per cent of the vote.

Speaking exclusively to GB News, Councillor Kirk expressed his own surprise at the landslide, stressing the decision was driven by his belief in democracy.

“The result was far better than I expected," he said.

“Looking at the figures, I don’t think my former Conservative voters were deterred - I think they came with me.”

“Democracy is the most important thing in the world.

“Our servicemen and women laid down their lives to protect it. We didn’t cancel the elections during Covid.

“Conservatives and Labour hid behind the ballot box this time because they were frightened of what would happen. If we did have those elections, I think most of them would have been wiped out.”

With full local elections cancelled, Councillor Kirk’s win was one of only three races to take place for Norfolk County Council.

Thetford West was also won by Reform - vacated by Terry Jermy, Labour’s MP in South West Norfolk. The Green Party retained their seat in Macroft following the retirement of Jamie Osborn.

“I was the only one who resigned in this way. I do not want to retire.

“It was the only way to force an election and let the people decide.”

When asked about the response he received on the doorstep, Councillor Kirk said that his constituents were thankful that he had “stood up for democracy”.

MORE LIKE THIS:

• Nigel Farage to launch 'Doge-style' rescue plan as Reform scoops up hundreds of councillors in electoral victory
• Ann Widdecombe declares 'strong sensation of change' in UK politics as Reform set to gain more than 300 seats: 'Labour has let voters down!'
• BBC branded 'sexist' and 'misogynistic' following remarks about Reform's Andrea Jenkyns

The victory for Councillor Kirk accompanied a wave of light blue across the country. Reform UK won 677 seats, 10 councils, 2 mayors, and a parliamentary by-election.

“I didn’t leave the Conservative Party, they left me,” says the 63-year-old farmer.

“Reform is a proper conservative party. It has the old Thatcherite ethos: we look after the individual, we are good to business, we want low taxes, but we help you when you’re in trouble.

“We don’t need this high tax, net zero rubbish.”

Speaking from his rural seat in West Norfolk, Councillor Kirk highlighted his party’s strong support within the agriculture industry, where he has worked all of his life.

“Many farmers I know are really pleased that Reform is standing up for them over this land tax.

“Let's give Nigel Farage his dues, he was the first one to meet them in Westminster.”

Robin Hunter-Clarke, the leader of Reform UK’s group on neighbouring Breckland Council and a key campaigner in the county, told GB News the victory was a sign of things to come across Norfolk.

“Councillor Kirk’s result shows that if elections had been held across the whole county, Reform UK would today be in control of Norfolk County Council.

“The public is demanding honesty, accountability, and a genuine alternative to the failed establishment parties.

“Council leader Kay Mason Billig and her Councillors no longer have a democratic mandate to govern. We call on her to resign and make way for a full county council election.

“The people of Norfolk deserve their voice to be heard — and they are choosing Reform UK.”

GB News has approached Norfolk Conservative Group, who control the council with a large majority, for comment.