Two more Stoke-on-Trent councillors have joined Reform UK – doubling the party's presence on the city council.

Conservative Chandra Kanneganti and non-aligned councillor Heather Blurton both announced on Wednesday morning that they had joined Nigel Farage's party.

Cllr Kanneganti, a prominent local GP, has represented Goldenhill and Sandyford on Stoke-on-Trent City Council since 2019, and also stood as a Parliamentary candidate for the Tories.

Cllr Blurton, ward member for Bucknall and Eaton Park, has also been on the council since 2019. She left the Conservatives in November, on the same day Tory group leader Dan Jellyman joined Reform.

There has been a wave of defections from the Conservatives to Reform in recent months, including former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis.

The latest recruits mean the Reform group on the city council now has four members – the Conservatives are down to nine.

Cllr Kanneganti said Reform will offer 'common sense solutions', and accused Labour and the Tories of protecting a 'failing status quo'.

He said: "I entered politics to serve the people of Stoke-on-Trent, a city that welcomed me and my family with open arms many years ago.

"That commitment to local residents has not changed. What has changed is my belief that Labour and Conservative are no longer delivering the real change people were promised.

"For too long we have heard talk of reform while everyday concerns go unanswered: the cost of living, pressures on public services, immigration, and ensuring taxpayers' money is spent wisely and responsibly.

"These issues matter deeply to residents, and they deserve to be addressed seriously and honestly."

Cllr Kanneganti stood in Stoke-on-Trent Central for the Conservatives in the 2024 General Election. He came third, behind election winner Gareth Snell, of Labour, and second place Reform candidate Luke Shenton – who later became Reform's first Stoke-on-Trent councillor.

Cllr Blurton and Hanford, Newstead and Trentham councillor Maxine Clark both left the Conservatives in November, saying at the time that the Conservatives no longer served the best interests of Stoke-on-Trent residents.

She said: "Over recent weeks, it has become even clearer to me that only one party is serious about putting family, community, country, and Stoke-on-Trent first. That party is Reform UK. That is why I am proud to announce that I have joined Reform UK.

"This decision is about values, priorities, and standing up for local people who feel let down by politics as usual.

"I remain fully committed to working hard for residents, speaking up for our city, and making sure your voices are heard."

Councillor Lorraine Beardmore, who became Conservative group leader following Cllr Jellyman's defection, said she had been shocked by Cllr Kanneganti's decision.

She said: "This decision has come as a shock and It's disappointing that Chandra no longer feels the national party is aligned with his beliefs.

"I respect his decision and wish him well for the future. Myself and the group thank him for his service as a conservative cllr, he will be missed."

A spokesperson for Reform UK said: "Chandra and Heather are two excellent additions to Reform UK. We are beyond proud to welcome them to the expanding number of councillors flocking to the party which will rebuild Britain."