Tory switch makes Labour council's biggest party

A council is facing a political shift after a long-standing Tory quit for a rival party set up by the town's MP.

James Bensly, a member of the Conservative cabinet at Great Yarmouth Borough Council for several years, has joined Great Yarmouth First/Restore Britain, founded by Rupert Lowe after he was suspended by Reform UK.

His switch means Labour is now the largest party at the council, which has been Conservative-led but under no overall control since 2023.

Lowe called the move a "massive boost" for his party's ambitions, while Daniel Candon, Conservative parliamentary spokesman for Great Yarmouth, accused Bensly of "putting personal ambition ahead of principle".

While the Conservatives remain in control of the council, it means they now have 17 councillors.

Bensly's switch means that with 18 councillors, Labour will now be able to challenge voting decisions, with the two independents and Great Yarmouth First/Restore Britain candidates holding significant sway.

It is understood the East Flegg councillor made the move after being offered an opportunity to stand as Restore Britain's candidate for Lowestoft MP at the next general election.

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Bensly, who was also a Conservative county councillor until he lost at the last election to Great Yarmouth First, said he had defected because he believed "fundamental changes" were needed to how the country was governed.

"This is not a decision I have taken lightly, nor is it about pretending that we will agree on every issue," he said.

"Whatever political label I carry, my priorities remain the same: standing up for the people I represent, fighting for the protection and future of our coastal communities, challenging unnecessary bureaucracy and pushing for a system that listens to ordinary people and delivers for them."

The Great Yarmouth Conservative group said it was "disappointed" by Bensly's decision.

Candon said: "Public service should be about the duty to serve, not the positions you can secure for yourself."

Great Yarmouth Labour group said: "The Conservatives are now running a minority administration.

"Great Yarmouth Labour councillors will continue to work for the good of this borough and the residents they were elected to represent.

"We don't do dirty politics; we offer hope, dignity and the belief that helping people is the right thing."

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