REFORM’S new leader has set out his three main priorities for the year ahead.
Alan Amos was elected as Reform UK’s group leader in Worcestershire at the party’s annual general meeting last Friday (April 17).
The vote saw Jo Monk axed as party leader – but she is expected to stay on as leader of Worcestershire County Council until the authority’s next full council meeting on May 14.
That’s when county councillors from all parties will be able to vote on who takes charge of the council for the next 12 months.
Cllr Amos said he will be inviting political group leaders to a meeting next week for an “adult conversation” about working together for the benefit of residents.
“Reform will play its part in making this work,” he said. “We are here for the people of Worcestershire – not our own selfish interests.
“Anybody who wants to work with me, I will want to work with them.”
Cllr Amos admitted there had been some “appalling language and behaviour” from councillors in meetings but declared: “There will be none of that from my group this year – I will run a tight ship.”
He said sorting out the council’s budget was a big priority for the next 12 months.
“We have to get to grips with the dreadful mess the Tories left the council in,” said the former Worcester mayor.
“They borrowed £35m just to tide us over and spending was out of control.
“We have to pay back the money this year and we have to get spending under control,” he said, saying Reform has made “good progress” towards this already.
“We also need to keep council tax down,” added Cllr Amos.
“The second big issue is local government reorganisation – we’re likely to know by early summer whether we’ll be getting one unitary authority or two for Worcestershire.
“It’s going to be enormously complicated to deal with, and could involve breaking up highways and social care, which don’t fall naturally into north and south.
New Reform group leader elected as Jo Monk axed
Former highway chief ‘disappointed but not surprised’ to be axed
Reform membership grows in Worcester as Lee Anderson event sells out in 48 hours
“In 2027 we also have to organise elections for the new unitary council – that’s the third priority.
“That is alongside the day-to-day running of the council, which has a gross expenditure of more than £1bn. We will continue to provide good quality services, try to mend the roads and provide services for children and adults.
“I’m confident we’re going to do a good job.”
