Tories and Reform UK deny doing county election deal

THE Conservatives and Reform have both denied doing a deal with each other on the Nottinghamshire County Council election as a crucial deadline looms.

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

The Post understands there are still some areas where the Tories currently running the county council have not got a candidate ready.

Ashfield in particular is reportedly posing a problem and it has led to rumours that the Conservatives have agreed not to stand candidates there for the May 1 election. A source told the Post that the Tories believe not standing in Ashfield will make it easier for Reform UK to win there, rather than other opposition parties like Labour and the Ashfield Independents.

Both the Conservatives and Reform have denied doing a deal, though the Tory leader did acknowledge that his party has not yet got a candidate in all 66 seats.