Shake up at Redditch council as Conservatives make deal with Reform to oust Labour

REDDITCH Borough Council has had a shake up after the annual general meeting on Tuesday, with Reform UK doing a deal with the Conservatives to oust the Labour party from power.

Conservative Councillor Matt Dormer is now back as leader, after losing the role in 2023, and Coun Craig Warhurst is deputy.

He had the support from the newly elected Reform councillors, as well as former Labour councillors Joe Baker and Wanda King.

Coun Joe Baker, who resigned as leader last year, was suspended from the Labour Party after being accused of sexual offences, and is due to stand trial in 2028.

Mayor and deputy Mayor are Reform’s Coun Sue Eacock and Coun James Aston, Labour put forward Coun Gary Slim and Coun Andy Fry but were unable to secure the votes needed.

The executive is made up of Conservative’s, with Coun Dormer in charge of regeneration, economic developments and strategic partnerships, town deal/DMIC corporate leadership, external relations, overall strategic leadership of the authority, health, regulatory services, leisure and recreation and planning.

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Deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for finance and governance is Coun Craig Warhurst with responsibility for constitutional matters, audit and efficiency and transformation programme.

Coun Brandon Clayton is portfolio holder for environment and local services with responsibility for environmental services, waste and street scene, parks and open spaces, operational services and neighbourhood management.

Portfolio holder for climate and biodiversity is councillor Gemma Monaco with responsibility for climate change, biodiversity, sustainability initiatives and green infrastructure.

Independent Councillor Ashley Monk is the portfolio holder for housing and communities with responsibility for housing, homelessness, tenant services, community safety and safeguarding.

Former Labour turned independent Coun Wanda King is on the executive without a portfolio.

This now leaves Labour in opposition, even though they have the majority of councillors, with 13 out of 27.

Coun Dormer promised that work that is being done across the borough will continue.

“We want continuity, there will be very little shake up but we want to get things moving and get things sorted.”

“While political differences will always exist, residents rightly expect councillors to work constructively, responsibly and in the best interests of the town.”

Redditch faces significant challenges, but also significant opportunities, and I am determined that this administration will focus on delivering real results for our communities.

Former leader Coun Sharon Harvey told the Standard she was disappointed that her previous colleagues have voted in support of this administration and the right wing parties

“A weak and inexperienced Reform group have handed control of the council to the Conservatives – who have only four seats snd no mandate.

“This is not change or fixing a broken system. It is going back in time to reinstate your enemies.”