We are disappointed to receive the news this morning that Cllr Dan Jellyman has resigned from the party to join Reform UK and Cllrs Heather Blurton and Maxine Clark have resigned from the party to sit as un-aligned councillors.
The news is particularly disappointing given the close team bond and hard work which delivered success for Conservatives at local elections in 2015, 2019, and an increase in the Conservative vote share in 2023, despite a difficult national picture.
As the current Deputy Group Leader, Councillor Lorraine Beardmore will become interim Group Leader.
Stoke-on-Trent Conservative Federation Chairman Dean Richardson said “The news this morning is very disappointing. Over a number of years, the Conservative team here in Stoke has worked hard to build a party that offered residents a real alternative after decades of Labour taking our area for granted. The team bond in Stoke has been very strong and has been fundamental to Conservative success in Stoke-on-Trent, and whilst I appreciate that nothing lasts forever and respect the decisions Dan, Heather and Maxine have made, I am saddened that three councillors have left the party today.”
“I would like to thank Cllr Jellyman, Cllr Blurton and Cllr Clark for their work during their time with the party. We will now get behind Cllr Lorraine Beardmore as interim group leader and will ensure that we continue to work hard as a team for residents across Stoke-on-Trent.”
Cllr Lorraine Beardmore said “I would like to thank Daniel for his years of service as a Conservative councillor and local party member. Whilst it’s disappointing that he feels the national party no longer represents his values and beliefs, I respect his decision. We’ll miss him in our group and wish him well for the future.”
Stoke-on-Trent Conservatives will continue to hold Labour to account, to work hard to improve the wards we represent and to ensure that we provide an ambitious, deliverable plan to residents heading into the 2027 local elections.
