The family business of Reform UK's council leader in Hart has been served with a compulsory strike-off notice, casting a shadow over the party's local leadership. Companies House has initiated proceedings against Radley Ventures Ltd, the company owned by the parents of Cllr James Radley, who leads the Reform UK group on Hart District Council.
The business failure to file overdue accounts has triggered the dramatic intervention from the government's company registrar, putting the family firm at immediate risk of being forcibly dissolved. This development comes just months after Radley assumed his political position following May's local elections.
Mounting Financial Troubles
Radley Ventures Ltd, registered to James Radley's parents at their family home address, specializes in IT consultancy and was incorporated in March 2022. However, the company has failed to submit its confirmation statement and accounts that were due by March 30 this year.
"The compulsory strike-off process is typically a last resort when companies repeatedly ignore filing requirements," explained a corporate governance expert. "It suggests a pattern of non-compliance rather than a simple administrative oversight."
Political Fallout
The timing couldn't be more awkward for Reform UK, which has positioned itself as a party of business competence and fiscal responsibility. Cllr Radley leads a group of three Reform councillors in Hart, where the party hopes to expand its influence.
Local political opponents have seized on the news, with one councillor noting: "This raises serious questions about judgment and financial management. How can voters trust someone to manage council finances when their own family business can't meet basic filing deadlines?"
The controversy emerges as Reform UK attempts to establish itself as a credible force in local government following its significant performance in recent elections.
What Happens Next?
Companies House has now published a first gazette notice for compulsory strike-off, giving the company a limited window to respond. If Radley Ventures Ltd fails to submit the required documents promptly:
- The company will be formally struck off the register
- Its assets would become property of the Crown
- Directors could face disqualification proceedings
- The business would cease to exist legally
This situation represents the first significant test of Cllr Radley's leadership since taking office and could have lasting implications for both his political career and Reform UK's local credibility.
