In a significant political shift within Hertfordshire's local government, two Conservative councillors have defected to Reform UK, marking a new chapter for the borough. 

Giles Hall, who has served as the Conservative Councillor for Flamstead End in Broxbourne since 2018, announced his defection to Reform UK on Sunday, February 2, 2025. This move makes Hall the first ever Reform UK Councillor within any borough in Hertfordshire.

Expressing his disillusionment with the Conservative Party, Hall stated, “I have decided to leave the Conservative Party as now more than ever I believe it no longer represents conservative values... I believe the future must be with Reform UK.”

Following closely, Siobhan Monaghan, the ward councillor for Cheshunt South & Theobalds, also announced her defection to Reform UK on Monday, February 3, 2025, becoming the second councillor in Hertfordshire to join the party within just 24 hours. Monaghan shared her reasons, saying, “I have become increasingly frustrated to see what is happening to our country and its people both at a local and national level. Only Reform UK have stepped forward and given us a clear path to change.”

Hamish Haddow, the Reform UK Broxbourne Branch Chair and Hertfordshire County Organiser, celebrated these developments. "This is an exciting time for Reform UK and Broxbourne," Haddow declared. He further praised both Hall and Monaghan for their commitment to their communities and their alignment with Reform UK's vision. "Broxbourne is now blessed with two Reform UK Councillors, and with this addition, we can begin to make a real difference," he added, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in the region.

These defections reflect a broader national sentiment of seeking new political pathways amidst dissatisfaction with traditional parties. Both councillors have expressed a strong belief in Reform UK's potential to better serve the residents of Broxbourne by addressing key issues like crime, migration, military investment, and leveraging Brexit benefits. This development signals a dynamic shift in local politics, indicating a growing appetite for change and new representation in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire.