"I intend to be a moderate and constructive voice within Reform, helping to shape a party that truly represents the interests of ordinary people," he added.
More rain is due to fall on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Environment Secretary Steve Reed saying more flooding is likely this week but that it should be "less severe" than on Sunday.Great Western Railway (GWR) said while most trains are operating on its network on Tuesday, customers are advised to complete their journeys by 19:00 GMT.
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued more than 100 warnings and more than 120 floods alerts across England.Flooding in Oxfordshire shut seven schools on Tuesday, including in Banbury, East Hanney and Abingdon.The Tesco Extra store in Abingdon has also been closed after flooding.
The EA states levels will be high because of heavy rainfall along the River Thames, particularly around New Hinksey, North Hinksey, South Hinksey and Grandpont in Oxford.It is also expecting the risk of flooding along the River Cherwell, including in Lower Heyford and Kidlington.
A warning remains in place for the River Kennet, between Theale and Reading.
GWR advises passengers to check itswith other dramatic measures
Andy Street, Conservative mayor for the West Midlands, said it was a "dark day that sets the city back, just as we thought we had turned a corner and were on the rise again".The authority needs to tackle a £300m budget shortfall over the next two years.
It is also facing equal pay claims of up to £760m and an £80m overspend on an under-fire IT system.Exactly which assets could be sold to repay the debt has not yet been finalised.