Reform UK Councillor Convicted of Assault Four Months Before Local Elections

Emma Beck, a Reform UK councillor recently elected to represent the Thatto Heath ward on St Helens Council, was found guilty of assault by beating four months prior to the local elections. The conviction stems from an incident on 6 April last year at Perry's Bar in St Helens, Merseyside, where Beck, working as a door supervisor, pushed a woman in her 60s to the floor.

Following a trial at South Sefton Magistrates' Court on 15 January, Beck was fined £180 and ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim. This conviction remained undisclosed throughout her election campaign, during which she publicly committed to addressing anti-social behaviour and improving residents' sense of safety.

Reform UK stated Beck has appealed the conviction and awaits the outcome before commenting further. Separately, the Security Industry Association (SIA) has launched an investigation, noting that licence holders are required to report convictions within two calendar days.

This marks the third instance of a newly elected Reform UK councillor in Merseyside facing scrutiny post-election. Jay Cooper, elected to Sefton Council, resigned from the party over social media posts referencing the Holocaust, while Stephen Mousdell of St Helens Council resigned after explicit content he posted on social media and OnlyFans emerged, triggering a by-election. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, acknowledged that some candidates might "slip through the net" regarding vetting procedures due to the large number of candidates fielded.