Reform’s local election successes were hailed by Nigel Farage as proof that his was a serious party with a high- functioning machine behind it. “We’ve professionalised the way we operate,” he said. But a few days on, the truth is beginning to emerge – as newly elected Reform councillors begin to quit, wasting tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money.
In Nottinghamshire, where Reform took power, new councillor Des Clarke stepped down almost immediately with a representative saying he was “not in a position to represent the people of Newark West in the way they deserve, while at the same time continuing his career in social care, about which he is very passionate.” It is thought that a by-election to replace him will cost at least £10,000.
Another ten grand will be wasted in Durham, where Andrew Kilburn has already quit after failing to declare that he worked for the council. He is rumoured not to be the last new Reform councillor in the county to be considering their options, with a local Labour source calling the situation “an utter shambles”.
Others across the UK who stood as “paper” candidates and did no campaigning but still won, are grappling with new responsibilities and could go too. So much for professionalising the way Reform operates.
