Reform UK prepares for real power on a council it now dominates

Reform UK prepares for real power on a council it now dominates

Joshua Roberts, a 27-year-old who runs a website and social media business, received his new badge as a Lancashire County Councillor at the council’s headquarters. Roberts, along with 52 other Reform councillors, is now responsible for serving over 1.2 million people in Lancashire. Despite being new to elected office, Roberts expressed his gratitude for the experienced individuals around him, making him feel comfortable and confident in making positive changes.

With a significant majority in the council, Reform UK’s victory marks a significant shift from the previous Conservative leadership. While some new councillors lack political experience, others like Ged Mirfin bring real-world experience to the table. Mirfin emphasized the wealth of experience the new councillors possess in various fields, expressing confidence in their ability to govern effectively.

Reform UK’s performance in governing the local authorities it now controls will be a test of the party’s ability to lead. Following the local elections, over 500 newly-elected councillors attended a training event in London to learn from seasoned council veterans. The party has faced criticism for its lack of clarity regarding its plans for the councils it now runs, but has signaled priorities such as challenging net zero initiatives and opposing diversity and inclusion policies.

In Lancashire, Cllr Stephen Atkinson, the council leader, emphasized the need to thoroughly review the budget and prioritize addressing legacy issues. The council faces budget pressures due to increasing demand for services like adult and children services, which occupy a significant portion of the budget. Atkinson highlighted the importance of a fresh perspective brought by the new councillors in identifying areas that can be improved to benefit residents

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