William Eichler 25 June 2026

Reform council leader defends sharing confidential IT contract details

Reform council leader defends sharing confidential IT contract details  image
Leader of Lincolnshire County Council Sean Matthews © Lincolnshire County Council

The leader of Lincolnshire County Council has defended sharing confidential information about a multimillion-pound IT contract with former Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf.

Cllr Sean Matthews told BBC Radio Lincolnshire he turned to Yusuf for advice shortly after taking on the council leadership, citing his own limited experience of signing large contracts.

He said the move secured a better deal for taxpayers but acknowledged: ‘I wouldn't do it again.’

Matthews confirmed the council is ‘looking into’ reports of an internal investigation into whether he breached the authority's rules.

Lincolnshire County Council has been contacted for comment.

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Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
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