A REFORM UK councillor axed from his seat on Worcestershire County Council cabinet has said he was ‘concerned’ about the direction of his party locally.
Former deputy leader David Taylor, who represents Redditch East, was in charge of the reorganisation of the seven district and borough councils into a single local authority.
Coun Taylor said he was removed from the appointment panel shortly after advising the leader and deputy leader he could not support proposals to award additional payments to senior officers who already earned six-figure salaries.
Expressed concerns
In an email, seen by the Standard, he said: “While I respect the leader’s authority to shape her cabinet as she sees fit, this is following six months of dedicated service and the almost continuous scrutiny I faced in the line of fire.
“Also, I must state, I remain increasingly concerned about the direction and leadership of Reform in Worcestershire.
“Over recent months, a number of fundamental policy disagreements have emerged between myself and the administration, particularly around governance, financial discipline, and the transparency required at a time when the council is facing significant challenges.”
He said he could not support the salary hike for officers at a time when Worcestershire County Council’s financial position was so precarious.
He added: “I believe such decisions must be subject to the highest level of scrutiny and restraint.
“My position has always been consistent – our priority must be protecting essential services, maintaining public trust and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is spent responsibly.
“I will continue to stand up for these principles and to speak out when I believe decisions are being taken that put them at risk.”
Worcestershire County Council leader, Coun Joanne Monk, said: “As the council’s proposal for One Worcestershire was submitted to government last month, it is now the right time for me, as leader of the council, to also take the lead on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), in line with other Reform UK councils.
“The remaining elements of the LGR cabinet portfolio, which also covers corporate services, are insufficient to warrant a cabinet role.
“We have therefore made the decision to move these areas alongside the finance cabinet portfolio and remove the role of Cabinet Member with Responsibility for LGR from the structure.”
