Reform UK councillor in Walsall suspended by party days after election

A Reform UK councillor in Walsall has been suspended from the party just days after the local elections.

Councillor Robin Perry was informed by Reform UK about the decision only a few hours before the first meeting of full council on Monday, May 18. 

The Harden, Goscote and Ryecroft councillor was told he had made a series of ‘unfounded and unfair’ allegations against the Reform group leader, Councillor Elaine Williams. 

Councillor Perry claims Councillor Williams discriminated against him on the grounds of being dyslexic in a row about the position of Mayor. On Monday night, Councillor Alan Fleming was appointed as Mayor of Walsall following a vote of full council. 

During the vote, every Reform member except Councillor Perry voted in favour of Councillor Fleming.

Instead, Councillor Perry voted for Councillor Khizar Hussain, deputy leader of the Walsall Community Independents, who was also nominated.

Councillor Perry said he plans to appeal the decision. For now, will continue to serve residents in Harden, Goscote and Ryecroft as an independent. 

He said: “I feel sorry for residents because they voted for me for Reform but Reform isn’t the party I thought it was. 

“Nationally I agree with the policies, locally, it’s like Mussolini’s government.”

Councillor Williams has been approached for comment. Reform UK declined to comment but confirmed Councillor Perry’s suspension.