The Conservatives have suspended Adam Kent, their leader at Worcestershire County Council, after he forged an alliance with the Green Party and Liberal Democrats to remove Reform UK from minority control. The move ended a turbulent year for Reform, which had faced internal strife and financial challenges.
Reform's Controversial Tenure
Reform UK gained control of the council a year ago but its leadership was marked by bitter infighting. In April, Jo Monk was replaced as council leader after a internal party vote, with Alan Amos taking over. Monk, now an independent, was suspended from Reform for refusing to accept the democratic decision.
The council's financial woes drew criticism after it received £59.9 million in emergency government funding and raised council tax by 9% to avoid bankruptcy. Reform leader Nigel Farage later remarked, "Worcestershire, I have to say, we took minority control of a virtually bankrupt council. I wish we hadn't bothered."
The Coalition Coup
At a full council meeting on Thursday, Reform lost minority control when Conservatives joined forces with the Greens, Lib Dems, and independents. Green councillor Matt Jenkins now leads the council. Kent, who orchestrated the deal, was suspended by the Conservative Party.
Conservative Party chair Kevin Hollinrake MP stated, "[Kent] told the national party he would not do a deal with the Greens. Then he went ahead and put together a rainbow coalition involving Green councillors anyway. Worse, his group was told something that was not true. Fellow Conservative councillors were given the impression that this deal had party support when it did not. This was dishonest."
Before his suspension, Kent defended his actions, saying residents had "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 new coalition remains unclear. David Taylor, a former Reform cabinet member who quit the party, supported ousting the Reform administration. He criticized the 9% council tax hike and expressed hope that local issues like potholes and parking could unite the coalition.
Reform UK has been contacted for comment.
