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2 clusters · 2 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Reform UK local council turmoil

Overview

In late July 2026, Reform UK took control of St Helens Council, with leader George Woodward meeting demonstrators over the council’s decision to withdraw funding for Pride events and Refugee Week, while a separate meeting in Walsall saw Reform councillors walk out of a debate on a £50 million secondary school project, leaving its future uncertain.

By early August 2026, internal divisions deepened. All 30 Reform UK councillors in Walsall voted against a motion to formally recognise man‑made climate change, arguing net‑zero targets were unrealistic. Meanwhile, four councillors in Warwickshire defected to the newly formed Restore Britain party, cutting Reform’s seats on the county council from 21 to 17 and altering the balance of power ahead of upcoming elections and a 2028 reorganisation. The party’s leaders downplayed immediate impacts but acknowledged the growing strain within the local party structure.

Entities

Walsall Council · Reform UK · Warwickshire County Council · George Woodward · Reedswood Park

Timeline

  1. 22 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Reform UK councillors split as four defect to Restore Britain

    Reform UK councillors in Walsall rejected a climate‑change amendment, while four Warwickshire members defected to Restore Britain, cutting Reform’s seats to 17 of 57 ahead of 2027 elections.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Reform UK council leader greets protestors as local parties clash over Pride funding and school project

    Reform UK council leader George Woodward engages protestors over Pride and refugee funding cuts, while Reform UK councillors in Walsall abandon debate on a controversial school project.

Sources

coventrytelegraph.net · luxembourgskydiving.com