Reform councillor defects to Conservatives after St George's flag 'vandalism' row erupts

A Reform councillor has defected to the Conservatives after a St George's flag "vandalism" row erupted.

Karl Perks, a county councillor in Worcestershire, cited the failure to pursue criminal charges over St George's Cross paint daubed on roundabouts as a significant factor in his decision.

Mr Perks claimed he was "criticised" and "isolated" by his Reform colleagues after pushing for prosecutions over what he regarded as vandalism of public property during the so-called "Raise the Colours" campaign last year.

The councillor, who previously served as Cabinet member for transport in the Reform administration, said raising questions within the party left him feeling "increasingly uncomfortable", ultimately prompting his switch to the Tories.

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Mr Perks was removed from his role in March following a string of disagreements with the Reform leadership.

During his time overseeing highways, he had branded the painting of red crosses on roundabouts, road signs and other council-owned infrastructure as "acts of vandalism", yet no one faced prosecution.

In a statement, he said: "What I could not support was criminal damage to public property."

He added as the cabinet member responsible for highways, he had called for prosecution to be considered "where offences had been committed".

He said: "I believed then, and still believe today, this was entirely consistent with a party that claimed to support zero tolerance towards crime.

"Instead I found myself criticised, abused and isolated by Reform."

The council chose last summer to strip the paint from traffic islands across the county on safety grounds, although flags attached to lamp-posts were left in place.

Mr Perks said he had "lost confidence" in Reform, describing a culture where "legitimate questions were too often viewed as disloyalty".

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He said: "I am extremely encouraged by the direction the Conservative Party has taken under Kemi Badenoch's leadership."

His move across the chamber alters the balance of power among Worcestershire's opposition benches.

The Conservative group now numbers 13 county councillors, while Reform retains 21, still the largest single party contingent, yet no longer in control of the authority following an internal leadership struggle earlier this year.

Adrian Hardman, who leads the Tory group on the council, welcomed the new arrival.

He said: "I'm delighted to welcome councillor Karl Perks to the group.

"Karl is an outstanding advocate for his local community in Stourport, and we look forward to working with him and holding the current administration to account for the benefit of all our residents."

The administration Mr Hardman referred to is a coalition of Greens, Liberal Democrats and independents that assumed control of Worcestershire County Council in May.

Reform had lost its grip on the authority after an internal leadership contest tore the group apart, paving the way for the coalition to take charge.

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