A Reform UK county councillor in Staffordshire has defected to the Conservatives.

Charlotte Kelly, who represents Leek Rural on Staffordshire County Council, announced her change of allegiance this morning.

Cllr Kelly was elected as a Reform councillor in May last year, as Nigel Farage's party took control of the authority in an historic landslide victory. But she says that since her election she has experienced personal difficulties within Reform, which have now led her to leave the party.

Cllr Kelly, who was previously a member of the Conservative Party, believes it is her 'natural home'.

Her defection brings the council's opposition Conservative group up to 12 members, while the number of councillors in the ruling Reform group dropping to 43.

Cllr Kelly said: "Having previously been a member of the Conservative Party, I already knew many of the people involved and the values they stand for. I am traditional conservative and under Kemi Badenoch's leadership I feel the party is my natural home.

"I am looking forward to working with colleagues who share my commitment to serving local residents and to treating all people fairly and equally.

"This decision is about ensuring I can continue to represent the people of Leek Rural effectively and positively. My focus remains on delivering for residents and standing up for the communities I was elected to serve."

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Conservative group leader Philip White welcomed Cllr Kelly to the party, describing her as a 'dedicated and hardworking' councillor.

Cllr White said: "She has spoken openly about the difficulties she has faced as a Reform member and throughout that time we have sought to offer friendship, support and encouragement.

"Charlotte knows the Conservative team well from her previous involvement with the party, and we are pleased that she has decided to re-join.

"Her experience, local knowledge and commitment to Leek Rural will make her a valuable member of our group, and I look forward to working alongside her to deliver for residents across Staffordshire."

Reform won 49 of the 62 county council seats in last year's election, but the party's numbers have fallen over the last 13 months.

Three ex-Reform councillors, including two former group leaders, are currently sitting as independents, while two others have resigned from the authority.

A by-election will be held for the vacant Stretton seat in East Staffordshire later this month, following the resignation of Reform councillor Barry Martin.