Reform complains of 'stitch-up' at County Hall as talks to build coalition continue

REFORM UK has slammed moves by other political groups to stop it taking control of Cornwall Council.

- LEE TREWHELA Local Democracy Reporter leetrewhela@reachplecom @LeeTrewhela

In this month's Cornwall Council election, Reform secured 32.2% of the votes cast, electing 28 councillors from across Cornwall and making the party the largest group on Cornwall Council.

However, not enough councillors were elected to give Reform control of the council. For outright control, a majority of 44 councillors is needed from the 87 representing the divisions across Cornwall.

Reform says it has now learned of “backroom alliances” being formed between Liberal Democrats and certain Independent councillors in a “cynical attempt” to exclude Nigel Farage's party representatives from negotiations.

Reform’s newly elected Torpoint councillor and the party's county organiser Rob Parsonage said: “On May 1 the people of Cornwall voted for serious change. From a standing start, Reform UK are now the largest party on Cornwall Council.

“These self-serving backroom deals are a total stitch-up. Opposition parties are clearly trying to build a coalition of stagnation to undermine the democratic will of Cornish voters.