Reform UK has declared it will demand an “extremely high price” to enter into a coalition on Northumberland County Council following last week’s local elections, where no party secured an outright majority.
The Conservatives hold 26 seats, Reform UK follows closely with 23, and the remaining 20 seats are split between Labour, Independents, Liberal Democrats, and the Greens. With 35 votes needed for a working majority, no single party can govern alone.
A Reform UK spokesperson stated, “The people of Northumberland elected us on a platform of serious change, and we fully intend to deliver that.” They added that any coalition agreement would come at a steep political cost.
Tory leader Glen Sanderson has expressed a willingness to work with other parties but no formal deal has yet been struck. Meanwhile, Reform UK’s internal process for selecting a group leader remains ongoing, with an announcement expected next week.
Councillor Isabel Hunter, new leader of the Liberal Democrats, said discussions are still in the early stages: “There is no agreement at the moment. We are trying to see what we can do for the people of Northumberland. We have until May 21 to decide.”
Councillor Derek Kennedy, who leads the council’s Independent Group, said, “Everybody wants to do a good job. The make-up and nature of the council has changed considerably, but we all start off positive. We are in a good position with a solid number of councillors.”
Green Party leader Martin Swinbank signaled reluctance to work with Reform, stating, “The numbers speak for themselves. It will play out at the AGM on the 21st.”