The Conservatives have suspended the leader of their group at Worcestershire County Council, Adam Kent, after he struck a deal with the Green Party and Liberal Democrats to remove Reform UK from power. The move ended Reform's minority control of the authority, which it had held for just over a year.
Reform's Controversial Tenure
Reform UK's time in charge of the council was marked by internal strife and financial difficulties. The council received £59.9 million in emergency government funding and raised council tax by 9% to avoid bankruptcy. In March, Reform leader Nigel Farage expressed regret over taking control, stating, "Worcestershire, I have to say, we took minority control of a virtually bankrupt council. I wish we hadn't bothered."
Leadership Turmoil
The party's leadership saw a bitter battle earlier this year when Jo Monk was replaced as council leader by Alan Amos in April. Monk, now an independent, was suspended from Reform for refusing to accept the party's internal vote. She claimed she was ousted for not stepping down voluntarily.
The Coalition Deal
At a full council meeting on Thursday, Reform lost minority control as Conservatives, Greens, Lib Dems, and independents formed an alliance. Green councillor Matt Jenkins now leads the council. Conservative Party chair Kevin Hollinrake MP said the party did not approve of the arrangement, accusing Kent of dishonesty. "He told the national party he would not do a deal with the Greens, then went ahead and put together a rainbow coalition," Hollinrake said. "Fellow Conservative councillors were given the impression this deal had party support when it did not."
Kent defended his actions, telling the BBC that residents "suffered appallingly due to the instability of Reform" and that "at some point, responsible councillors have to stop standing on the sidelines." He added, "On national policy there are many areas where we continue to disagree with the Greens – however, local government is not Westminster."
Uncertain Future
The impact of Kent's suspension on the coalition remains unclear. David Taylor, a former Reform cabinet member who quit the party, supported the ousting of the Reform administration, citing disagreements over the 9% council tax hike. He expressed optimism about the new arrangement, saying, "At this level, adults can work together whatever their national ideology. Most residents care about potholes and parking, not national policy."
Reform UK has been contacted for comment.
