The Stoke-on-Trent Labour Group has responded to former Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis' decision to join Reform UK. 

The group said: "Reform UK and the Tories are two sides of the same coin." 

The response follows the announcement that Jonathan Gullis, the former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party who represented Stoke-on-Trent North until 2024, has joined Reform UK. 

Cllr Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Jonathan Gullis served in a government (albeit briefly) that took £270 million from Stoke-on-Trent. 

"He backed decisions that hollowed out local services and left working people paying the price.  

"Now he's trying to slap on a new badge - but you can't run away from a record like that. This is yet another Conservative abandoning ship after the mess they helped create." 

She continued: "A few months ago, Gullis was photographed at the Reform UK party conference, shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow defector Daniel Jellyman  

"Instead of being upfront, they claimed they were there 'for work'. Today's announcement casts doubt over that explanation.

"Reform UK talks a big game about standing up for working people, but it's all theatre.

"The party is run by people who pretend to be on the side of working class people while pushing policies that would hit working families hardest. 

"They've made billions of pounds' worth of uncosted promises, rowed back on them the minute they're challenged, and the only solid thread in their agenda is cuts for those who can least afford them.

"Reform UK presents itself as something new — but scratch the surface and it's the same old austerity dressed up in louder colours. 

"When asked today on BBC Radio Stoke whether Reform is aligned to the policies of Margaret Thatcher, Gullis agreed.

"Thatcher was no friend to cities like ours the first time – she destroyed our pots, pits and the country's steel. We don't need a return to those days. 

"While others swap badges and play political dress-up, Labour remains focused on rebuilding Stoke-on-Trent." 

In a statement made on social media, Jonathan Gullis said: "As a country, we face serious and deep rooted challenges, and what is required now are bold, radical ideas alongside the determination to deliver them. 

"I believe only Reform UK has the vision and courage needed to restore pride in Britain and deliver real change, putting our country and our communities first. 

"Nigel Farage has shown, consistently over many decades, the courage of his convictions, and it is that strength of leadership which will drive forward the bold and radical reforms our country so urgently needs. 

"I look forward to meeting Reform UK members locally and across the country, getting out on the doorstep, and working together to earn voters' trust. 

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, one we must not waste, to bring about the change our country truly needs under a Reform UK government."