Calderdale councillor back to independence after Brexit Party refuses application

A long-serving Calderdale councillor is staying independent after his application to join the Brexit Party was turned down.
Calderdale councillor Roger TaylorCalderdale councillor Roger Taylor
Calderdale councillor Roger Taylor

Roger Taylor has served as an Independent councillor since last November after suspension by the Conservative Party following accusations of Islamophobia.

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His party designation on the council’s website had changed to Brexit Party this week – but he explained today it had not been accepted and he would return to Independent designation.

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“I have applied to join the Brexit Party – they have refused my application,” he said.

Councillor Taylor added he thought that might be because “they have done a lot of homework and think I might be a bit of a liability for them.”

He also confirmed that his suspension from the Conservative Party had been made permanent.

He said he believed Conservative Party headquarters was “locked in the Westminster bubble”.

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“If they don’t want me as a member, stuff ’em,” said Coun Taylor.

Councillor Taylor is a member of the council’s Place Scrutiny Board, Climate Change Working Party and Transport Working Party, in additional to membership of the Northowram and Shelf ward forum.

He would continue in those roles while lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic was ongoing, he said.

Coun Taylor successfully defended his council seat as a Conservative in May 2019. His term of office is due to last until 2023.