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What happened in the first 100 days

Wind, Solar and Battery, Clean Energy Projects

Reform UK’s local election victories and control of 12 local councils could put plans for new wind, solar and battery projects at risk. This would amount to a loss of 6GW of clean energy capacity.

As the projects are determined by local planning authorities rather than local councils, REFORM’s objections would, more likely prove to be a nuisance with limited effect. Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of REFORM has stated that his Party would use “every lever” to block new renewable energy projects in the areas they control.

Tice posted on social media “Reform control the Mayoralty and County Council in Lincolnshire with myself as local MP. If you are thinking of investing in solar farms, battery storage systems or trying to build pylons, think again. We will fight you every step of the way. We will win.  Hey Richard – we think you mean “Turbines” not “Pylons”. Maybe we’d take your threats more seriously if you understood the difference.

Staffordshire County Council have scrapped solar, wind and battery farm development approvals. They have also halted the roll out of Government funded electric vehicle charging stations arguing there was little or no demand (£4.5 million).

Climate Emergency

Between 2016 and 2025 a movement spread world-wide where local governments signalled the urgent need to address climate breakdown. By 2025 over 2300 jurisdictions in 40 countries had declare a climate emergency. Reform are a climate change sceptic Party. The following Reform controlled councils have rescinded the climate emergency declaration:

Staffordshire County Council: see above – scrapped solar, wind and battery farm approvals.

Durham County Council: replaced with care emergency which could jeopardise future funding.

West Northamptonshire Council: also scrapped net-zero targets, removed references to net-zero and climate change from council documentation replacing with environmental impact whilst continuing to accept green funding.

Derbyshire County Council: scrapped climate change oversight committee

Lincolnshire County Council: abolished the flood management scrutiny committee, raising concerns about reduced oversight on vital safety measures.

Kent County Council: an “efficiency unit” recommended scrapping net-zero projects, cancelling energy-efficiency building retrofits, ceasing EV fleet upgrades.

Flag Policy

Reform UK removed Ukrainian and Pride (rainbow) flags from council buildings, declaring only St George’s and the Union flags would be flown.

Critics accused the move of being symbolic culture-warring rather than substantive.

Pausing Road Repairs

Staffordshire County Council, under Reform leadership, instituted a three-month freeze on new, non-essential highway works—even during the summer months when road repairs are typically easier and cheaper. Local Conservatives warned this would store up problems ahead of autumn and winter, as minor defects become hazardous in poor weather.

“Marking Their Homework”
When asked about their agenda and spending plans beyond cuts, Reform councillors responded they were still “marking the previous administration’s homework,” indicating no new policies yet—prompting criticism about a lack of vision.

Conservative View: “Do Nothing” Council
Even former Conservatives in Staffordshire described the council as “do nothing,” saying Reform UK seemed more focused on dismantling previous initiatives than delivering constructive governance.

Other Examples of Waste or Failure to Deliver

Misleading Public Messaging
A Reform councillor in Kent claimed to have removed “trans-themed” books from children’s library areas, but in reality the books were simply relocated to less prominent spots.

Candidate Conduct and Training Refusal
Some Reform councillors have been criticised for offensive past remarks and have refused to attend mandatory diversity or climate training sessions.

Pre-Election Waste Audits
Before taking office, Reform highlighted examples of other councils’ wasteful spending, such as:

  • A £150 million non-functional recycling facility in Derbyshire County Council.
  • £1,000 per day paid to a pothole consultant in Shropshire—enough to repair 20 potholes at £50 each.
  • Over £1.7 million spent on electric cars for council staff in Devon.

Council Paralysis
Frequent meeting cancellations and delays in forming oversight committees have led to accusations of paralysis.