Reform UK submits motion to run Kirklees Council as a minority administration to 'promote democratic stability' and 'effective governance'

As Kirklees Council readies itself for a third attempt at selecting a leader – following a chaotic stalemate since May 20 – the council will attempt to reconvene on Wednesday, July 15 to make a decision.

Going head-to-head again are Green Party group leader, Coun Andrew Cooper, and Reform UK’s group leader, Coun Sarah Wood.

Both received 29 votes in favour of their leadership in the latest vote on May 28, and with no signs of the stalemate ending, Reform UK is now attempting to push a formal proposal through the council.

In the public agenda pack published on July 7, ahead of the full council meeting next week, Coun Wood and Coun Mark Smith – the new deputy of the Reform UK group – have asked the rest of the council to pass the motion for a “minority administration”.

This follows the “prolonged uncertainty” over the formation of an administration that “is not in the best interests” of Kirklees residents, according to the document.

The motion explained that when no single political party wins a majority in an election, it is standard practice to let the biggest party try to run the local authority first – even if they have to convince others to vote for their ideas individually.

The motion reads: “Democratic accountability is strengthened where the largest political group is given the opportunity to govern, while all other members continue to scrutinise, amend and vote on each proposal according to its merits.”

Currently at 27 councillors – following the step-down of Coun Craig Wiles due to health issues and the defection of Coun Susan Maxfield – Reform UK is still clinging to its place as the largest group in Kirklees.

Despite this, the motion pledges to “promote democratic stability” and “effective governance”.

The motion will be discussed alongside others at the full council meeting on July 15.

In other developments, the council has been warned that the Secretary of State could intervene over its lack of leadership as a “last resort”.

A Leader Election Report was published by Kirklees’ Monitoring Officer, Samantha Lawton, explaining the true ramifications for the council if it failed to elect a leader for the third time.

The report by Ms Lawton on July 6 details how “essential” it was that the council now elects a leader to run “lawfully”.

The report read: “If the council continues to fail to elect a leader, the council could face a claim that failure to operate executive arrangements is unlawful and a breach of its statutory duty.

“The failure to elect a leader increases the risks of legal challenge around decision-making.

“A further risk is that, if services are compromised as a result of the lack of executive arrangements, the council could face further judicial review claims, and/or claims for damages if people suffer losses as a result.”

The report continued explaining that because of the council’s failure to elect a leader, external auditors have been prompted to consider issuing a statutory Public Interest Report.

It added: “The Secretary of State can intervene directly in cases of urgency, and this includes the power to send in commissioners to take over some functions, which can be long-term and over many months/years.”