Winning here should be easy, says Farage

REFORM UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to slash “unnecessary” spending at Northumberland County Council if his party wins power next month.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

The Clacton MP visited Morpeth yesterday, with Reform standing a candidate in all 69 wards ahead of polling day on May 1. The outspoken figure spoke to candidates at the Waterford Lodge before heading out onto the streets to speak to residents and business owners, accompanied by a significant security presence.

Mr Farage said the county council needed a “DOGE” - the department run by Elon Musk under US president Donald Trump to cut Government waste.

He added: “‘The other parties can’t actually believe what is coming at them. Here in Northumberland, this should be easy - because the Conservatives have made such a dog's dinner of it, it’s unbelievable.

“£18 million in a small county like this, spent on agency staff since 2021. Potholes are a big subject here in Northumberland - there are 14 per mile, which is exactly double the national average. I believe we could win many, many seats on this council on May 1. I really truly do”