Tories say Reform "can't solve issues"

A Conservative Party councillor in Tunbridge Wells has said he's "disappointed" that a leading figure in the Kent Conservative party has defected to Reform UK.

Tom Mobbs, who's the campaign director for the Conservative Party in six West Kent constituencies, appeared for a half hour live interview with West Kent Radio on Friday drivetime.

He adressed several local planning controversies but was also asked about last week's news of the defection to Reform by the former Conservative MP for Gravesham, Adam Holloway.   

Adam Holloway told the BBC: "This country has serious social and economic problems...I'm now getting on board with Reform with what I hope will be a rescue mission for this country."

Tom Mobbs (pictured below) responded by saying: "It is obviously disappointing to lose a true Conservative, though it didn't come to me as a surprise."

Tom Mobbs continued: "Reform are very good at flagging issues. I don't think they have the ability to solve them.

Listen to all Tom's answers on national issues here:

Tom Mobbs, who's a Conservative Borough Councillor for Tunbridge Wells Rural, told West Kent Radio: "At Kent County Council, within two months, the Reform administration are already having to make cabinet changes. They're cancelling meetings."

Although Reform are now polling 30% nationally, Tom Mobbs insisted: "Reform are good at highlighting issues. Do they have the personnel or wherewithal to solve them? I don't think so. I think that comes from the Conservative Party."

Asked whether people were voting for Reform because they want a change and want new ideas, Tom responded: "I'm 25. I would consider myself new to politics having only been elected last year. It is new fresh blood within the Conservative Party that we are going to be pushing. The sensible pragmatic approach to issues, with policy ideas and solutions that are tested...that's how I see the party moving forward."

Listen to the audio above to hear Tom Mobbs explaining the Conservative Party's position on the European Court of Human Rights and Labour's plans for a huge increase in airport capacity at Heathrow and Gatwick.

Listen here to Tom Mobbs talk about local house building concerns as well as other local issues including the recent increase in car parking charges announced by the Liberal Democrat run Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

On the plans to build 500 homes just south of Tunbridge Wells, Tom Mobbs said the local Liberal Democrats should have backed the successful residents' application to have the existing Rugby Club playing fields designated an Asset of Community Value.

Tom Mobbs continued: "I think you can see a very clear divide between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats...(we are) fighting hard for residents to oppose an over-development application".

He said: "In south Tunbridge Wells, the traffic is already a nightmare.  The local infrastructure can't cope. And you're just going to put 500 houses there."

For more on Esquire Developments plans for the Rugby club site and fields nearby, click on this link:
https://www.westkentradio.co.uk/news/west-kent-news/new-twist-in-housing-battle/

West Kent Radio is scheduled to hear from the Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, Mike Martin, with a drivetime interview in late August.