Reform loses control of county council

"Green Councillor Matt Jenkins has been made the new council leader, with Reform's minority administration being removed from office after 12 months in power. Reform had 24 of the 57 seats on the council, with the party running a minority administration after it came to power following last year's local elections. Following a full council meeting on Thursday morning, the Conservatives have teamed up with the Green Party, Liberal Democrats and independents to form a power-sharing alliance."

"Monk was suspended and removed from her position as leader last month for "refusing to accept the democratic decision of the Reform UK group". Her son and fellow Reform councillor Ashley Monk, has also been suspended for reportedly bringing the party into disrepute. The ex-leader's time in office was marked by controversy, with council tax going up by 9% and the authority needing 59.9m in emergency government help to avoid effective bankruptcy."

"Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the council as "bankrupt", but added: "We didn't make it bankrupt, we inherited it." The BBC has contacted Reform for comment. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Worcestershire County Council"

Worcestershire County Council leadership changed after a full council meeting. Conservatives joined with the Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and independents to create a power-sharing alliance. Green Councillor Matt Jenkins became council leader, and Reform UK’s minority administration was removed after 12 months. Reform previously held 24 of 57 seats and had governed as a minority following last year’s local elections. Reform’s suspended leader and her son were removed from their roles after disputes within the party. The previous period included controversy, including a 9% council tax increase and a need for 59.9m in emergency government support to avoid effective bankruptcy. Nigel Farage called the council “bankrupt” while saying it was inherited.

Read at www.bbc.com