Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said he is pleased to welcome a defecting Conservative councillor to his party.

Kevin Towill changed his allegiance at Cornwall Council ahead of local elections on 1 May, saying it was “exciting being part of a new political force”.

Mr Towill said he felt the party was “positive and built up from the grass roots by members of the public”.

Conservative council leader Linda Taylor said she was saddened by Mr Towill’s departure.

Mr Towill said: “I feel that the old parties in Cornwall are propping each other up in hatred of each other and forgotten about the people that they are meant to be serving.

“I am looking forward to the future working for the betterment of Cornwall.”

Mr Farage, who attended a party rally at the Carn Brea Leisure Centre, said he hoped the May election would result in more Reform councillors sitting alongside the Newquay Porth and Tretherras ward member.

The defection makes Mr Towill the sole representative for Reform UK in the council chamber.

Mr Towill updated his profile page on the council’s website to show him as a Reform UK member before he officially commented on his move.

Mr Farage said: “I hope he is going to be joined by many more after the election.”

Council leader Linda Taylor confirmed Mr Towill emailed her on Monday to say he would stand as a Reform UK candidate on May 1 and had switched parties.

She said it was a disappointment but that Mr Towill would remain a good friend.

Ms Taylor said: “It is very sad that Kevin has made this decision as he’s been a real stalwart for us.

“I will continue to treat him as a good friend and he still has a lot of friends in the party.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group Leigh Frost said the defection was “no real change, but a rebranding of more of the same”.

Leader of the Independent group Julian German said Cornwall Council elections “are not a referendum on how the government runs the country”.

Hundreds of people attended the event, at which former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, now a member of Reform UK, gave a speech.

A large group gathered outside the leisure centre to protest against the rally.