Reform councillor resignation sparks by-election

A Reform UK councillor has handed in his resignation less than two months after being elected.

Craig Wiles was one of three Reform candidates chosen to represent the Almondbury ward on Kirklees Council on 7 May.

Confirming his resignation, the council said a by-election would take place in due course, with the Reform group saying there would be "no interruption to the work already under way".

Group leader Sarah Wood offered "no further comment" when asked for details as to why Wiles had resigned.

In an online statement, Wood said: "We look forward to contesting the forthcoming by-election, and to continue to serve, support and represent the people of Almondbury.

"In the meantime, Cllr Pip Harvey and Cllr Gill Floyd will carry on providing strong representation for Almondbury residents, ensuring there is no interruption to the work already underway."

Kirklees Council said a date for the by-election would be chosen in the coming days and was expected to be held within the next six week.

Kirklees Council has been without a leader since the election after a series of failed votes.

Green Party councillor Andrew Cooper, who is vying for the role alongside Wood, said: "In many ways this is a shock. [But] we have seen around the country Reform councillors, once elected, many resign shortly after being elected.

"So this is not surprising. It does bring into question how cohesive the Reform group is going forward. This may be the first of many."

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