Leeds First Independents
Independent councillor group in Leeds formed in October 2026.
Leeds First Independents formed in October 2026 when two serving councillors left Reform UK and created a new political group on Leeds City Council.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for Leeds First Independents
Mentioned in: Reform loses councillors after ITV clips
UK Local Elections 2026Background
Leeds First Independents is a political group on Leeds City Council. Paula-Jane Thackray and David Dresser formed it after leaving Reform UK in October 2026. Thackray represents Cross Gates and Whinmoor, while Dresser represents Killingbeck and Seacroft. The council's proper officer received formal notice that they wished to be treated as a political group.
Thackray leads the group and Dresser serves as deputy leader. Both remained councillors after changing affiliation, so the organisation gives them a shared identity within the council rather than replacing their ward mandates. Its formation reduced Reform UK's group in Leeds and placed the two representatives among the wider set of councillors who left the party after the May elections.
Why did Leeds First Independents form?
Who leads Leeds First Independents?
What is Leeds First Independents?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.