A FORMER Conservative councillor – and Reform UK parliamentary hopeful – has now joined the Liberal Democrats.
Until March last year Steve Ashton, who represents Crewkerne on Somerset Council, was a member of the Conservative party having been elected in 2022.
However, after it is understood a bid to become a parliamentary candidate for the party in Yeovil and oust then-MP Marcus Fysh was unsuccessful, he resigned from the Conservatives – and promptly joined Reform UK, applying to run for the party at the July 2024 general election but was, again, not selected.
READ MORE: Somerset councillor quits Tories and bids to stand for Reform UK at general election
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Cllr Ashton said at the time: “The main reason (for resigning) is, I have an issue with our MP. He doesn’t do anything for the town. We (the local Conservative party) tried to de-select Marcus Fysh but he turned to the electorate.”
After his failed bid to become Reform UK’s candidate in Yeovil, Cllr Ashton remained on Somerset Council as a non-affiliated member.
Now, completing a full political u-turn, he has joined the Liberal Democrats, who are in charge of the unitary authority.
Councillor Steve Ashton (Crewkerne) has joined the Liberal Democrat group on Somerset Council.
Elected as a Conservative in 2022, Cllr Ashton has been sitting as a non-aligned councillor since March 2024.
Announcing the move, Cllr Ashton highlighted his confidence in Yeovil MP Adam Dance (Lib Dem) and the Liberal Democrats’ leadership of the council.
“The Lib Dems have demonstrated they are up to the challenge of running Somerset Council under extremely difficult circumstances,” he said. “Their commitment to tackling climate change has convinced me that this is my political home.”
The move was welcomed by MP Mr Dance, who said: “I’ve worked with Steve cross-party on local issues, including the campaign against the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s acute stroke unit. He’s a dedicated community champion, and I’m delighted to welcome him to the team.”
And leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans, said: “Steve brings a wealth of experience in local campaigning, environmental expertise, and a strong understanding of planning issues. He will be a huge asset to our group and to Somerset Council.”
Your Leveller asked about Cllr Ashton’s history with the Conservatives and Reform – and how that can reconcile with the Liberal Democrat agenda – and Cllr Revans added: “Steve has been on a significant political journey, and we’ve had many open and honest discussions with him about his values and priorities.
“He has demonstrated a real commitment to serving his community, which we support. We welcome people who are willing to reflect, evolve, and make decisions based on what they believe is right for their constituents, and we are pleased to have Steve as part of our team.”
As a Liberal Democrat I’m always sceptical of the reasons some people use to move from another party to the Liberal Democrats. In the case of the councillor who has recently joined the party questions have to be asked why someone who has been a Conservative and then of all things a member of Reform. How can anyone who have supported and been a member of the Reform Party have any views or ideology that are akin to the Lib Dems. The party throughout the country should be very careful who they accept and investigate their intentions thoroughly. There have been many examples of people in the past leaving the Tories or Labour to join us and then when the leadership of their previous party changes return. It doesn’t do our party any good whatsoever.
He was never a member of Reform .I believe he tried to join theLD before the election.