Complex discussions over who runs council - Reform

"Complex" discussions are taking place to determine who will control Worcestershire County Council, Reform UK has said.

The Conservatives lost control of the council at last week's election, but no single party won the 29 seats needed for a majority, leaving the local authority in no overall control.

Reform is the biggest party on the council now with 27 seats. Alan Amos, who won the Bedwardine seat for the party, said: "These are the most complex set of discussions I've seen. I've seen people having conversations who I've never seen talking to each other before."

He said his party wanted a stable majority "as you have to be able to plan ahead in order to get things done".

"Nobody knows what's happening yet. There are furious and desperate attempts to form an anti-Reform coalition that haven't been successful," he added.

It would make sense for the other parties "to admit they won the election to give them the chance to run the council", he said.

Matt Jenkins, who won re-election in St Stephen, said he would continue as the leader of the Green and Independent Alliance at county hall.

Alan Bailes, the new independent councillor for Alvechurch, has joined the group, which already includes Tom Wells, the long-serving independent councillor for Powick & Longdon.

"Our group is up to 10 now, so we have more clout. The independents are still independent, but we work together on motions and ideas," Jenkins said.

"We are in discussion with other groups. Reform are very close to the magic number of 29 and we expect them to try to form a minority administration.

"We have full council on 22 May and don't want to be in a rush, but discussions are still ongoing."

Adam Kent, former cabinet member for economy and skills, has been elected as the new Conservative group leader having held his seat in Wythall.

The group is much-diminished with 12 councillors, having had 45 following the elections in 2021.

Kent said he was awaiting the results of other parties' leadership elections.

"Once group leaders are in place, we'll be able to have more constructive discussions," he said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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