North Northants councillor quits Reform UK
Northamptonshire unitary councillor Joe Garner, who represents Thrapston, has quit Reform UK to sit as an independent on North Northants Council.
Cllr Garner was elected in May 2025 in the landslide election that saw Reform UK take power from the Conservatives.
Reform UK leader of North Northants Council Cllr Martin Griffiths thanked his former colleague for his ‘contribution’ and wished him ‘every success for the future’.
He said: “Joe has been a good councillor for the people of Thrapston, working hard on a wide range of local issues including littering and anti-social behaviour.
“I am sure he will continue to serve his residents well as an Independent member of North Northamptonshire Council.
“I thank Joe for his contribution to the Reform UK Group and wish him every success for the future.”
Cllr Garner will continue to represent his home town of Thrapston, where he has lived since 1987. He campaigned to save Thrapston Library from closure.
In the 2025 elections he stood for Reform to fight for ‘lower council taxes and better value for residents’.
He has supported the opposition to warehouse developments on the edge of Thrapston.
Cllr Garner has been contacted for a statement.
There are now four independent members on North Northants Council and reduces Reform UK’s group to 39 councillors – 10 more than the total of opposition members.
Reform UK – 39
Conservative – 11
Green Party – 8
Labour – 4
Independent – 4
Liberal Democrats – 1
Restore Britain – 1