Second Reform UK Councillor Departs Wakefield Council, Weakening Party Control

Steve Lewis, elected on 7 May, has quit Reform UK and will now sit as an independent representative for the Normanton ward on Wakefield Council. His departure follows Rhys Carr, who also resigned from the party a fortnight ago, opting to represent the Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton ward as an independent.

Reform UK gained significant ground in the 7 May local elections, securing 58 out of 63 seats and taking control of the council, which had been under Labour administration since its inception in 1974. Labour was left with a single councillor following the election.

Lewis was elected for a two-year term, securing the second-highest vote count in Normanton. Reform UK and Lewis have been approached for comment regarding this development.

Rhys Carr, upon his resignation, indicated on social media that Reform UK was "no longer the right fit for me," citing a lack of prioritisation for local issues. Reform UK Wakefield responded by stating Carr's decision preceded the outcome of an internal investigation into allegations concerning his conduct.

Last week, Wakefield Council voted to revoke its climate emergency declaration, originally made in May 2019, which aimed for carbon neutrality by 2030. New council leader Karl Johnson tabled the motion to axe the declaration.