Nigel Farage has accused council bureaucrats of obstruction by officials, claiming Reform UK councillors are being blocked from implementing changes. The party, which took control of 10 councils in May, says its efforts to cut waste are being stalled.
Therefore, Farage said that some councils resist Reform’s policies. He cited Warwickshire, where officials allegedly oppose cost-cutting measures. The council plans to hire political assistants, costing £190,000 yearly. Critics argue this money should fund services instead.
Reform’s interim leader in Warwickshire, George Finch, defends the move. He claims staff lack “imaginative ideas” to solve key issues. The 19-year-old leader took over after his predecessor resigned for health reasons.
Farage insists obstruction by officials is widespread. Some councils refuse to share financial records, he says. Others resist Reform’s efficiency plans. However, he admits some areas cooperate well.
Moreover, the party launched a cost-cutting unit called Doge in June. Modeled on Donald Trump’s initiative, it audits council spending. Kent County Council is first in line, but Staffordshire still awaits review.
In addition, Reform faces criticism over allowances in Scarborough. The mayor’s annual pay rose 600%, from £500 to £3,500. Farage says he was unaware of the decision. He adds that unpaid volunteers handle most audits.
Opponents question Reform’s priorities. Hiring advisors while pledging austerity seems contradictory. Yet Farage argues officials must support elected leaders, not block them.
Reform UK only became active last year. Unlike Labour, it lacks a large staff. Farage admits progress is slow but highlights early successes. Doge has already exposed wasteful spending, he claims.
The party vows to keep pushing for transparency. Yet without full cooperation, obstruction by officialsmay delay real change. For now, Reform’s council experiments remain under scrutiny.
Reform’s next steps depend on overcoming resistance. If obstruction by officials continues, promised reforms may stall. The party must balance bold promises with practical governance.
Farage remains defiant. He says Reform will keep fighting bureaucracy. Whether councils listen—or resist—could define its local government future.
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