Labour is set to publish a dossier detailing what it describes as 'chaos and incompetence' in 12 councils controlled by Reform UK, just days before Thursday's local elections. The document accuses Nigel Farage's party of breaking promises and slashing vital services.
Labour's Attack on Reform's Record
The dossier, to be released ahead of the crunch vote, points to a series of scandals and failures in Reform-run town halls. These include councillors resigning, cuts to essential services, and allegations of broken election pledges. The move comes as election expert Lord Robert Hayward predicts Reform could win over 1,500 council seats, while Labour may lose 1,800 and the Tories 600.
Broken Tax Promises
Labour's document claims Reform promised to cut taxes but has instead raised council tax. In Derbyshire, election leaflets pledged to 'cut your taxes', but the authority confirmed a 4.9% rise. Reform insists these were national pledges, not local commitments. Similarly, in Kent, council tax increased by 3.99% despite leaflets promising cuts. Lincolnshire County Council leader Sean Matthews criticised the previous administration's 2.99% rise, yet Reform is now implementing the same increase.
Service Cuts and Infighting
The dossier highlights service cuts in Durham, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire, including defunded drug services and cancelled school building projects. Kent County Council, a Reform flagship, has been plagued by infighting, with four councillors suspended after leaked footage showed leader Linden Kemkaran telling members to 'f***ing suck it up'. In Staffordshire, two leaders were ousted amid racism allegations. Leicestershire's roads chief resigned after making Islamophobic comments.
Labour's Warning
Communities Secretary Steve Reed warned voters: 'Don't risk the chaos and incompetence that comes with Reform councils. Nigel Farage's broken promises have seen town halls hike tax, slash services, and leave residents feeling short changed.' A Reform UK spokesman countered that they inherited mismanaged councils and have delivered over £700 million in savings while keeping council tax rises low.
