Westminster City Council has witnessed a significant political shift as a second Conservative councillor has crossed the floor to join Reform UK.
Councillor Alan Mendoza, who represents Abbey Road ward, announced his defection on 19 November 2025, joining his colleague Laila Cunningham who made the same move in June.
A Nation in 'Abject Crisis'
In a powerful statement explaining his decision, Councillor Mendoza did not mince his words. He declared that Britain is in an 'abject crisis', with leaders at home and abroad seemingly set on a path of national and international decline.
"But the British people deserve better than this," Mendoza stated. "And in Reform UK we finally have a party who will put our interests first, and ensure that our tomorrow is better than our today."
He expressed pride in joining the party, which he believes will bring about change to restore Britain to the 'first rank of global powers where we belong'.
New Role and Party Reaction
The defection brings with it a notable new appointment for the party. Reform UK confirmed that Councillor Mendoza will now advise party leader Nigel Farage on foreign policy and geopolitics.
This advisory role leverages Mendoza's professional expertise; he is also the co-founder and executive director of the prominent foreign policy and national security think tank, The Henry Jackson Society.
Nigel Farage welcomed the new recruit, calling Mendoza an 'excellent addition' to the team. Farage highlighted the councillor's "intricate understanding of foreign policy and experience in global affairs," which he described as 'invaluable'.
Political Fallout and Council Makeup
The leader of the Westminster City Conservatives, Councillor Paul Swaddle, responded to the news, labelling the defection as 'disappointing'.
Seeking to downplay the significance for the local area, Swaddle told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, "It is clear from our thousands of conversations with residents of Westminster that there is no appetite for Reform in Westminster."
This move alters the political landscape of the council. The current composition of Westminster City Council is now:
- 28 Labour councillors
- 24 Conservative councillors
- 2 Reform UK councillors
Councillor Mendoza, who was elected in 2022, currently sits on the audit and performance committee and the budget scrutiny task group. He also served as a spokesperson for Westminster City Conservatives. It remains unclear if he will retain his committee appointments following his party switch.
Dr Mendoza, who holds a PhD from Cambridge University where he also completed a B.A. (Hons.) and M.Phil in history, has been approached for further comment on his decision.
