Reform councillor quits amid conduct investigation
Newly-elected Wakefield councillor has quit Reform UK weeks after winning his seat
A newly-elected Wakefield councillor has quit Reform UK weeks after winning his seat amid an “internal investigation into allegations around his conduct,” the party has said.
Rhys Carr announced on Monday that he would be leaving Reform to sit as an independent, describing the party as “no longer the right fit for me.”
Coun Carr also said “local issues are not prioritised” as he announced his decision in a social media statement.
Coun Carr was elected to serve a four-year term after receiving the most votes in Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton ward when Reform swept to power at the elections on May 7.
In a dramatic shift, Reform took control of the local authority from Labour after winning 58 out of 63 seats.
Coun Carr’s statement said: “Here is the update many of you have been waiting for.
“I have made the decision to leave the Reform Party, as it is no longer the right fit for me.
“It has become clear that local issues are not prioritised, and that is simply not what I stood for when I was elected.
“Let’s be honest — photo opportunities don’t solve problems.
“From today, I will continue serving as an Independent Councillor for Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton.
“I remain fully committed and willing to keep fighting hard for our area and the people who live here.”
A Reform UK Wakefield group spokesperson said: “Councillor Carr has decided to leave the party before the outcome of an ongoing internal investigation into allegations around his conduct.
“We’d like to reassure residents of Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton that they can continue to rely on their Reform councillors.
“Chad (Thomas) and Kevin (Atcheson) will ensure that this ward continues to have strong and hard-working Reform UK representation.”
When contacted, Coun Carr told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he did not want to add to his previous statement.
A Wakefield Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that councillor Rhys Carr has resigned from Reform UK and now sits as an independent councillor.”