Tory defector Graham McAndrew rejects by-election call and vows to serve as Bishop’s Stortford’s first Reform councillor
Conservative defector Graham McAndrew says he will not be stepping down and intends to serve as Bishop’s Stortford’s first Reform UK councillor.
Cllr McAndrew sent shockwaves across the political spectrum when his decision to join Nigel Farage’s party was revealed on Monday (March 17).
His former Tory colleagues and Labour have called on him to relinquish his East Herts Council (EHC) seat, but he told the Indie there would be no by-election in his Bishop’s Stortford Thorley Manor ward and he intended to serve out the remaining two years of his term.
Cllr McAndrew is also the Herts county councillor for Bishop’s Stortford Rural division. However, Reform UK has already announced that former pilot Jonathan Grose is its candidate for the seat in May 1’s elections for the top tier authority.
It has been suggested Cllr McAndrew’s defection to Reform was prompted by the Conservatives’ decision not to select him to stand again after 12 years in office. Instead, the Hertford and Stortford constituency association chose Albury parish councillor Mark Pope. Susan Jackson will contest the seat for Labour, with Ware town and East Herts district councillor George Williams representing the Green Party. Nominations close on Wednesday April 2.
Cllr McAndrew, the Tory administration’s deputy executive member for the environment at County Hall, told the Indie he announced his resignation from the party “with deep regret”.
“After careful reflection, I can no longer support a political establishment that has repeatedly failed to address the urgent challenges facing Britain,” he said. “I am proud to join Reform UK, a party offering the bold, common-sense solutions our communities deserve.
“I wish to reassure residents that I remain fully committed to serving my constituents with the same dedication I have always shown.
“I will not be standing down and will continue representing residents’ interests as a Reform UK councillor. My priorities remain unchanged: fighting for better services, stronger communities and a brighter future for all.”
He added: “This decision was not made lightly. However, loyalty to party cannot outweigh loyalty to country. Britain deserves better than managed decline. Reform UK’s vision – pragmatic, patriotic and unafraid to challenge failed orthodoxy – is the fresh start we need.”
Cllr Bob Deering, leader of the Conservative group at EHC and Cllr McAndrew’s former colleague at County Hall, said there should be a district by-election.
“Graham is of course no longer a member of the Conservative group so we have no sway over his decision,” he said. “However, as we all know, Reform have complained bitterly that they have been denied elections in Essex.
“So, if they are true to their word they should be requiring Graham and all the other crossovers to resign their existing seats and put themselves forward to be judged by the voting public.”
Cllr Deering confirmed that his party had not selected Cllr McAndrew to stand again and said “things move on”.
“We have a slate of excellent candidates for the elections and they will all represent residents extremely well if elected,” he said. “Hertfordshire is a top-performing council that provides vital services and our candidates will keep it that way.”
EHC Labour group leader Cllr David Jacobs agreed that Cllr McAndrew should stand down and let the voters decide before the next scheduled poll in May 2027.
He said: “We would be confident of taking his seat given that we topped the poll in that ward in 2023.” Labour’s Cllr Dave Willcocks got 1,094 votes, ahead of Cllr McAndrew (961) and Conservative Cllr John Wyllie (932). Labour’s Steve Smith narrowly missed out with 921 votes.
Cllr Jacobs said: “The East Herts Labour group of councillors were surprised at Cllr McAndrew’s defection to Reform UK – he has previously been one of the more moderate voices within the Conservative group.”
Cllr McAndrew’s defection means the 50-seat EHC currently has 17 Greens, 14 Conservatives, 10 Liberal Democrats, 5 Labour, 2 Independents, 1 Reform UK and one vacancy. Frankie Woolf, who won Braughing and Standon with fellow Tory Cllr Stan Bull in 2023, is no longer a councillor.
Hertford and Stortford Reform Party chair John Burmicz, who was third in the constituency in last year’s General Election, said: “I am more than pleased to welcome Graham to Reform.
“We have had some discussions, along with other potential candidates, wishing to do a better job of representation for their constituents and these are ongoing not only for the upcoming elections but leading up to the next General Election in 2029.
“We have an extremely tough vetting scheme for people wishing to join us from other political domains and Graham’s was a tough ride which he passed with flying colours… I am sure he will not be the last.”
When Bishop’s Stortford Rural was last contested in May 2021, Cllr McAndrew got 54% of the votes (1,943) to secure the seat for the Conservatives. Labour’s Milly Lynch was second with 20% (725), Lib Dem Bob Taylor third with 16% (562) and Green David Oxley fourth with 11% (382). The turnout was 34%.
Across the 78-seat authority, Conservatives won 46, Liberal Democrats 23, Labour 7, Green Party 1 and Independent 1.
The Indie has invited East Herts Greens and Liberal Democrats to comment.
