Reform UK's Takeover of Lancashire Council Highlights Challenges of Local Governance
This summer, Reform UK took control of 10 local councils across England, including Lancashire, offering a potential preview of their approach to national governance if elected. The Today in Focus podcast features Helen Pidd's reporting on Lancashire, aiming to evaluate whether Reform's anti-woke agenda can be effectively applied in local government.
Upon taking over the financially troubled Lancashire council, Reform UK pledged significant cost-cutting, waste reduction, and the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. However, a few months into their administration, difficulties arose, notably a contentious plan to close a care home which sparked anger among residents and led to a record number of complaints against Reform councillors.
Lancashire has thus become a key indicator of Reform UK's competence at the local level and serves as a gauge for how the party might perform if it attains national power. The report also underscores the broader connection to Nigel Farage and the party's national ambitions. Central to the discussion is whether Reform can sustain its agenda and demonstrate competence when confronted with the practical realities of local government.
