Conservative leader suspended after anti-Reform coalition takes Worcestershire control

The Conservative Party has suspended Adam Kent, its group leader at Worcestershire County Council, following his decision to form a coalition with the Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and independent councillors. The alliance successfully ended Reform UK’s minority control of the authority, which had been characterised by political instability and significant financial strain.

Matt Jenkins, a Green Party councillor, has been elected as the new leader of Worcestershire County Council. The shift in power occurred at a full council meeting on Thursday, where the combined votes of the Conservatives, Greens, Lib Dems, and independents secured a majority over the Reform administration.

Conservative Party chair Kevin Hollinrake MP condemned the arrangement, describing it as dishonest. Hollinrake noted that Kent had previously assured the national party he would not cooperate with the Greens, yet proceeded to form what he termed a “rainbow coalition.” He further alleged that Kent misled fellow Conservative councillors into believing the deal had national party backing, a claim that was false.

In response to the suspension, Kent defended the move as a necessary response to local governance failures. He stated that residents had suffered due to the instability of the Reform administration and argued that local government operates differently from Westminster. Kent emphasised that while national policy disagreements with the Greens persist, practical issues such as potholes and parking require cross-party cooperation.

The departure of Reform UK follows a turbulent year marked by a 9 per cent council tax hike and a reliance on £59.9 million in emergency government funding to avoid bankruptcy. Reform leader Nigel Farage had previously expressed regret over the party’s involvement, describing the council as virtually bankrupt. The administration also faced internal dissent, with former Reform cabinet member David Taylor supporting the ousting due to opposition to the tax increase.

Internal divisions within Reform UK contributed to the council’s instability. Jo Monk, the former Reform leader, was suspended from the party for refusing to step down after losing an internal vote to Alan Amos. Monk now sits as an independent, while Taylor, who quit the party, aligned with the new coalition. It remains unclear how Kent’s suspension will impact the longevity of the new power-sharing arrangement.