A former independent councillor for Melksham has joined the Conservative Party.

Councillor Jack Oatley, who represents Melksham Forest ward on both the town council and Wiltshire council, crossed the floor on April 19 and does not think a by-election should be called.

Cllr Oatley said: “I have become a Conservative councillor because after two years of sitting as an independent councillor I was becoming frustrated by a lack of progress in getting action for my residents and a lack of confidence in the Together for Melksham grouping under whose banner I was elected.  

“After careful thought I have come to the conclusion that my views align with Conservative colleagues in Melksham.

“I have also realised that I can get more done for my residents as a member of the ruling group on Wiltshire Council.  

“I will continue to serve the residents of Melksham Forest as a Conservative and intend to seek re-election as a Conservative in two years time”.

He argued there should not be a by-election: “There is a long history of local councillors from Melksham changing their political allegiance whilst continuing to represent their residents without by-elections and my move to the Conservative Party is just another example of this. I can see no justification on spending tax payers money on an unnecessary by-election.”

His move got a fiery response from Melksham Town councillor John Hubbard, who said: “I think an awful lot of people feel they’ve been cheated and do feel they should have the opportunity to choose someone who stands by the principles they voted for.”

He added: “If that’s what he feels he should do then that is for him to do. It’s a shame he wasn’t honest with the electors when he stood for election about what he clearly truly believes as his political opinions.

"He stood against a Conservative candidate, and he stood telling people he was independently minded and he’s now decided he’s not.”

Cllr Hubbard conceded he himself had left the Liberal Democrats in 2020 to become an Independent but said this was different because he argued the party’s politics had changed while his never did.

Deputy Town Mayor Sue Mortimer, commenting on how much she felt personal ambition had motivated Cllr Oatley’s decision, said: “He obviously wants to go a bit further in politics.”

But added: “I see nothing wrong with Jack having ambition so long as the great community work he is doing for the town as a member of Melksham Town Council continues.”