At a full council meeting on March 24, it was announced Councillor Gillian Martin had become a member of the BCP Reform UK Party.
Gillian Martin was elected as a Labour councillor in 2023, following her defection Cllr Martin said: “My move from Labour to Reform, via the BCP Independents, was not a sudden change of mind. It was a considered decision, taken over many months. I had been in contact with Reform members for over a year before joining.
“What ultimately drew me to Reform UK was its openness to discussion, its willingness to listen, and its focus on practical outcomes. I believe it offers the best platform for me to represent my residents properly – to raise concerns, ask questions, and speak plainly on their behalf without being shut down.
“This move is about being more effective for the people I represent. As a Reform councillor, I am confident I can continue to grow, develop, and deliver, both for Boscombe West and for the wider BCP area”.
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Cllr Martin said her experience within Labour was “difficult”, and “at times deeply unpleasant”.
She said: “Within the Labour Party, I found the environment increasingly restrictive. There were occasions where I felt bullied and pressured for holding views that did not align with others.
“Debate felt limited, dissent was often unwelcome, and over time I felt less able to contribute meaningfully. Raising concerns or offering alternative views too often came with the risk of being sidelined. That is not a healthy place for anyone trying to serve their community.
“I was also troubled by the growing tendency to label those who disagree with certain positions using extreme terms. Residents – and colleagues – deserve better than that. Disagreement should invite discussion, not shut it down.”
Labour Group leader Councillor Patrick Canavan has said: “When anyone becomes a member of the Labour Party they agree to support our aims and values. Councillors are expected to act collectively to pursue the goals set out in our manifesto. They need to be engaged and responsive but unfortunately this was not the case with Cllr Martin. She was often critical of national figures and at odds with Labour Party policies.”
Cllr Martin previously defected to the BCP Independents in the summer of 2025, she has said she is grateful for their support and holds them in high regard.
Following the defection Cllr Canavan has called for Cllr Martin’s immediate resignation, he said: “Cllr Martin was elected as a Labour Councillor so has already deceived the electorate once by becoming an Independent. To do this twice by now joining Reform is unforgivable.
“Voters can no longer have any confidence in Cllr Martin if she changes her mind this often. The fact that town council elections are pending is no coincidence and voters will see through this self-serving decision.
“The electorate have been misled and there should be a by-election so that the residents of Boscombe can have their say.”
Councillor Duane Farr, leader of BCP Reform group, said: “I find it disappointing that as Cllr Martin’s ward colleague in Boscombe West, Cllr Canavan can’t put party politics aside and work with Gillian, for the betterment of the residents.
“Ultimately, we are all elected by our residents to do our best for them and get the job done. Gillian intends to stand in the forthcoming town council elections to give local people the opportunity to vote for a Reform UK candidate as people feel let down by Labour.
“The voters will decide on May 7, I believe many will vote for change by voting Reform UK, sending a message of protest against the Labour government and the LibDem run council who have cancelled the annual Bournemouth Air Festival and imposing unprecedented 6.74 per cent council tax hikes on us all.”