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

Kevin Towill has changed his allegiance at Cornwall Council ahead of local elections on 1 May.

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

Council leader Linda Taylor, who belongs to the Conservatives, said she was saddened by Mr Towill’s departure. The BBC has approached Mr Towill for comment.

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

While Mr Towill has not issued a statement confirming his switch, his profile page on the council’s website has been updated to show him as a Reform UK member.

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

Ms 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 big 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.”

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

However, a large group gathered outside the leisure centre to protest against the rally.