Reform UK has condemned Norfolk County Council's £43,000 marquee at the Royal Norfolk Show, labelling it a 'vanity project' and vowing the costly tent will not return under the new administration. The criticism comes as the party, led by Nigel Farage, continues its austerity drive since taking control of County Hall in May.
Costly Marquee Under Fire
The marquee, a long-standing feature of the county's premier agricultural event, has been used to promote council services such as fostering, adult care, and public transport. This year's tent even featured a robot for photo opportunities. However, senior Reform members discovered the setup cost £43,000, prompting outrage. At its peak, the marquee once commanded a staggering £150,000 price tag.
Justine Thomas, Reform UK cabinet member, stated: 'Spending £43,000 on a public information marquee for content freely available elsewhere is just the latest example of wasteful spending by the previous administration.' She added: 'It was little more than a vanity project and won't happen again under Reform UK.'
Questioning Value for Money
Reform UK questioned the tent's cost-effectiveness, noting that 1,000 visitors would equate to £43 per head, excluding additional staff costs. The party's own stand at the show, where Thomas and Nick Taylor spoke to attendees, cost significantly less—in the hundreds rather than tens of thousands.
'The council must improve its communications and engagement with residents, but this is not the way to go,' a commentator remarked.
Part of Broader Austerity Measures
This decision is part of a series of cutbacks by Reform UK since taking office. On their first day, they abolished three political assistant posts, saving £160,000 annually. More recently, they scrapped an £11,000 annual fund for local road schemes, sparking accusations of 'pettiness' from opposition members. Reform UK argues this allows better allocation of nearly £1m within the highways budget for resurfacing and pothole repairs.
The move has further strained relations between Reform and council staff, highlighted by the unexpected resignation of chief executive Tom McCabe. Norfolk County Council declined to comment.
