London, December 13, 2025
A council leader from Reform UK has been accused by opposition politicians of attempting to silence dissent through proposed changes to the council’s code of conduct and committee rules. These changes, introduced after Reform UK gained control in May 2025, would enable the ruling group to suspend councillors and remove committee chairs without typical procedural safeguards.
Allegations Against Reform UK Council Leader
Opposition councillors and local politicians allege that the Reform UK leader’s proposals are designed to marginalise opposing voices rather than improve governance. The changes would grant the ruling group power to suspend councillors, strip committee chairs of their authority, or remove them from committees without the usual checks and balances. Critics argue this restricts scrutiny and limits opposition influence on decision-making processes.
These developments come in the wake of increased tensions following high-profile ethical scandals involving some councillors. Opposition spokespeople describe the moves as an “authoritarian” attempt to centralise power and silence opposition within the council. At least one former Member of Parliament has publicly criticised the proposals as anti-democratic.
Political Context and National Implications
The timing of the rule changes—following Reform UK’s surprising gains in the May 2025 local elections—heightens concerns about the party’s local governance approach. Several councils became hung or narrowly controlled by Reform UK during that election cycle, making their conduct an indicator for potential national strategies should they expand power.
Local government standing orders govern how decisions are scrutinised and how councillors, including opposition members, hold leadership accountable. By reducing the powers of committee chairs and extending suspension powers, the integrity of local oversight is fundamentally weakened. Such changes could have tangible effects on oversight of local services and planning decisions.
Next Steps and Monitoring
Further clarity will hinge on the exact wording of the proposed amendments to standing orders and committee arrangements, which will allow assessment of their legal and procedural compliance. Monitoring officers, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, and standards committees may be formally engaged to review these changes or any complaints raised.
Votes on the proposals at full council or committee meetings will reveal whether Reform UK commands the necessary support and if any opposition or internal dissent emerges. The national Reform UK party’s response will also be closely scrutinised—whether they publicly back the council leadership’s plan, seek amendments, or initiate investigations in case of misconduct claims.
Observers will continue to watch these developments closely, as they represent a critical test of Reform UK’s governance style at the local level and may foreshadow how the party handles dissent, transparency, and political opposition in a wider context.