Suella Braverman Joins Reform UK Amid Tory Defections
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has defected from the Conservative Party to join Reform UK, becoming the third sitting Tory MP to make the switch in just over a week, bringing Reform's total to eight MPs. Braverman criticized the Conservatives for failing to uphold promises on Brexit and immigration, describing herself as 'politically homeless' for the past two years, while the party faced backlash for a statement suggesting her defection was linked to mental health issues.
Starmer caps ground rents for leaseholders at £250
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a cap on ground rents for leaseholders in England and Wales, setting the limit at £250 per year, as part of broader reforms to the leasehold system. The government will also ban new leasehold flats and allow existing leaseholders to switch to commonhold, aiming to enhance homeowner control. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the commitment to comprehensive leasehold reform, while the Residential Freehold Association criticized the cap as detrimental to investor confidence.
UK Cancels Eight Local Council Elections for Reforms
Britain's Communities Secretary Steve Reed announced the cancellation of eight local council elections in Essex and Sussex, originally scheduled for May 7, 2026, to allow councils to focus on significant local government reforms. The affected councils include Adur District, Crawley Borough, Hastings Borough, and Worthing in Sussex, as well as Basildon and Thurrock in Essex, while elections for Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council will proceed as planned. This marks the second consecutive year of delays for county council elections in Sussex, now postponed until 2027.
