The union push intensifies as Britain’s largest union urges council staff to join its ranks. This follows Nigel Farage’s warning that employees working on diversity or climate change should seek “alternative careers.”
Farage delivered the comments Friday after Reform UK took control of Durham county council. He claimed such roles waste taxpayer money. “We want to give council tax payers better value,” Farage declared.
Reform UK scored big in Thursday’s local elections. The party captured 10 councils, over 600 seats, and two mayoral wins. It also secured a fifth MP seat, with Sarah Pochin winning in Runcorn and Helsby.
Union push intensifies as Unison chief Christina McAnea responded firmly. “Unions are here to ensure no one can play fast and loose with the law,” McAnea said. She urged council staff under Reform control to join Unison for protection.
Farage has called for a British version of the “department of government efficiency,” inspired by Elon Musk’s U.S. spending cuts. Reform UK plans immediate audits, especially targeting net zero and green projects.
Darren Grimes, a newly elected Reform UK councillor, confirmed the plans. Speaking on the Today programme, he said Durham council would audit roles to cut costs. “If they’re not good value for money, the answer is goodbye,” Grimes stated.
Union push intensifies as McAnea warns Reform councillors lack understanding of local government. She said, “Most councils already balance on the edge of financial collapse.” She reminded that UK workers are protected by strong labor laws.
Greater Lincolnshire’s new Reform UK mayor, Andrea Jenkyns, echoed plans to cut inclusion officers. She won her post with nearly 40,000 more votes than her Conservative opponent.
However, not all Reform councils currently employ diversity-focused staff. A Staffordshire council source confirmed no such roles exist there.
Responding to McAnea, a Reform UK spokesperson said, “Union members voted for Reform UK on Thursday. They should ask why so many support us.”
Union push intensifies as the political battle over council spending sharpens, setting up a fierce clash between Reform UK and Britain’s unions.
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