Ex-Reform councillors reveal chaos at party's flagship Durham council

 

Ex-Reform councillors reveal chaos at party's flagship Durham council

A broadcast investigation by Sky News has uncovered widespread allegations of chaos, bitter infighting, and a toxic culture at Reform UK's flagship council administration in Durham.

Led by journalist Cathy Newman, the report features on-camera testimonies from five former party affiliates who defected or were suspended from the local administration.

The Core Allegations

Former councillors—including Ian Catchpole, Andrew Harrison, and Kenny Hope—described the internal environment at Durham County Council as "shambolic" and "infantile". Key details include:

• Targeted Harassment: Ex-members alleged they faced vicious targeting, cyberbullying, and "vile" insults via email and WhatsApp groups.
• Toxic Leadership: Affiliates claimed that leadership operated with a pack mentality, attacking anyone who questioned internal operations.
• Unprofessional Conduct: Separate reports also surfaced claiming councillors drank alcohol during afternoon sessions and that council leader Andrew Husband made inappropriate remarks regarding mental health.

The Party’s Response

• Dismissal of Claims: A Reform UK spokesman strongly rejected the report, labeling it "misleading and malicious".
• Disgruntled Ex-Members: The party argued that the whistleblowers were merely "bitter," pointing out that some had previously been suspended for bullying and employing illegal workers.
• Policy Success Highlighted: Reform politicians like Laila Cunningham defended their tenure, asserting that despite internal distractions, they delivered one of the lowest council tax rates in the country