Two Reform councillors leave party as one hits out at ‘misogynistic undertones’
Two Reform councilors left the party less than a year after being elected; One said she could no longer continue as a result of what she said were “misogynistic undertones” to her treatment.
Kathryn Shaw and Joanne Blythe will now sit as Independents on West Northamptonshire Council.
A Reform spokesman said Ms Blythe had been suspended by the party “pending an investigation after stating her intention to become an independent councillor”.
But in a statement to the BBC the councilor said that after consideration he could no longer continue under the council’s current leadership.
She expressed concern about “what I perceived to be misogynistic undertones in the treatment I received.”
Ms Blythe added: “I would like to make clear that the suspension of the flogging relates solely to an administrative investigation on behalf of another councilor into the procedural process of becoming Independent. “I am confident that there will be no reasonable finding of misconduct against me.
“I was elected to strongly represent my community, and that commitment remains unchanged. I will now continue this work independently, with only the best interests of those I serve in mind.”
Meanwhile, Ms Shaw, who left her post as cabinet member for children, families and education at West Northamptonshire Council in January, said the decision to leave the party was not “easy” but she could “advocate for strong safeguards more effectively” outside the party structure.
The latest departures from the party come amid ongoing turbulence in Reformation England’s local government leadership.
Last month, the head of Kent County Council’s cost-cutting program resigned, claiming the authority – Reform UK’s ‘flagship’ council – had “not made any cuts”.
Matthew Fraser Moat left the Kent County Council (KCC) cabinet in February following an interview. Finance Times He and another cabinet minister argued that the authority was not saving money.
The councilor was head of the council’s Department of Local Government Efficiency (Dolge), which was inspired by Elon Musk’s cost-cutting Doge in the US.
Meanwhile, four Reform councilors on the same council were sacked last year, while an investigation was launched into the leak to the press of a video of the local government leader telling councilors to “get it over with”.
Footage of an online meeting in which KCC leader Linden Kemkaran berated councilors who questioned him was leaked to the press in October.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Reform UK West Northants said: “It is disappointing that Commander Shaw has chosen to resign from Reform UK, betraying the mandate given to him by residents and the activists who gave their time and energy to get him elected.
“We can also confirm that Major Joanne Blythe has been suspended pending an investigation after stating her intention to become an independent councillor.”
Ms. Shaw and Ms. Blythe have been contacted for comment.
