A councillor has launched a blistering attack on Reform UK after making a shock announcement he is joining the ruling Conservative group on Solihull Council.

Cllr David Hoey was only elected as a councillor in the Meriden & Arden ward in May's local elections.

In a statement the councillor said: "I joined Reform UK as a protest.

"However, once I became part of the group, I encountered behaviour I do not believe is appropriate for elected representatives.

"I raised my concerns both with the Reform UK group locally and with Reform UK nationally – but no action was taken.

"I want to make it clear my decision is not a criticism of every Reform UK councillor. I have worked alongside many decent, committed and hardworking colleagues who entered public service for the right reasons.

"My concerns relate to the conduct of a small number of individuals and to what I consider to be a failure to address behaviour that has, in my view, damaged both the group and public confidence.

"The Reform UK group has tended to focus on issues that generate headlines rather than those that best serve residents.

"That is not why I stood for election and it is not how I want to represent the people who elected me."

A Reform UK source claimed complaints had been made regarding Coun Hoey's conduct prior to his defection.

"These were being investigated before he made the decision to defect," the source said, adding the councillor had "extremely limited attendance" at the group's meetings.

In April, when he was standing for election, the former Royal Marine Commando had said Conservatives had "ignored local people and local priorities".

"Solihull deserves leadership that listens — and acts," he said at the time.

He went on to get 1,432 votes in the local elections – the highest of all candidates who stood in the ward.

Councillor Samantha Gethen, leader of the Reform UK Group on Solihull Council, said: "I wish we could say we're sad to see Coun Hoey leave Reform UK but in all honesty it's a relief.

"Since the election a few months ago he very quickly alienated all his council colleagues.

"Coun Hoey was given a four year mandate by Meriden & Arden residents just two months ago.

"It is a surprise to see him join the Conservatives, especially given what he was saying about his new colleagues only days before jumping ship.

"I think our message to Conservative councillors is, 'good luck'."

The move is a boost for council leader Karen Grinsell who welcomed him to the Conservatives currently running the authority as a minority administration.

"Although he has only recently been elected, he has already demonstrated his commitment to representing residents and taking his responsibilities as a councillor seriously," the leader said.

"We look forward to working with him to deliver for the people of Solihull.

"We welcome people who are committed to public service, integrity and collaborative working to achieve the best outcomes for residents.

"I know David will make a positive contribution to the work of our group and to the council."

The defection takes the Conservatives to a total of 25 councillors, short by just one of having a majority on the council.

Reform UK remains the second largest group on the authority with 17, ahead of the Liberal Democrats on six and Green Party on four.