LocalGov.co.uk - Your authority on UK local government masthead
William Eichler 12 November 2026

Reform councillor vetting chief resigns

Reform councillor vetting chief resigns image
Reform UK © Sean Aidan Calderbank / Shutterstock.com.

Reform UK general secretary Tom Waterhouse has resigned with immediate effect following controversies over the party’s screening of councillors and prospective candidates.

Mr Waterhouse oversaw candidate vetting for the party. He is reported to have left amid anger among Reform’s leadership over George Madgwick, the party’s former Hampshire leader.

Mr Madgwick has been charged with 12 counts of rape and other offences. He denies the charges.

A Reform UK spokesperson said: ‘Tom Waterhouse has left his role with Reform UK. The party leader has now appointed an interim general secretary.’

#Councillors #Standards #reform party uk

Analysis

Opinion

Most Popular News

Reform UK councillor charged with rape and false imprisonment image
Reform UK councillor charged with rape and false imprisonment
Suspended Reform councillor convicted over Facebook post image
Suspended Reform councillor convicted over Facebook post
Reform councillor sacked over sexualised AI image of colleague image
Reform councillor sacked over sexualised AI image of colleague
Fraudster simultaneously held five public sector roles image
Fraudster simultaneously held five public sector roles
EXCLUSIVE: Councils told to avoid publicity over business rates refunds image
EXCLUSIVE: Councils told to 'avoid publicity' over business rates refunds

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire's Heritage Lighting Upgrade at Britannia Quay Balances Performance and Ecology

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Company Anouncements

Airtech Backs Radon Awareness Week as Updated Mapping Sheds Light on Hidden Risks

GLL names new CEO and deputy as Peter Bundey retires

Siemens, Asset Management Software, Formerly Brightly Software, Expands Solutions Portfolio to More Connected Insights

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

Popular Topics

#Workforce #Unions #Transport #Transformation #Training #Tax #social care #Skills #SEND #Scotland #Safety #Racism #Politics #Police #Planning
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Community Development

North Yorkshire Council
£145,894 to £169,693 plus relocation support
If you are an accomplished senior leader with experience of delivering strategic change Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Deputy Manager, Supported Accomodation Service

Durham County Council
Grade 11, £42,123 - £46,579 per annum
Be the Difference. Build Futures. Change Lives. Every young person deserves someone who believes in them. Someone who sees their potential, celebrate Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Children's Social Care

Durham County Council
£139,874 per annum
At Durham County Council, we are ambitious for our children, young people and families. We are committed to ensuring every child is safe, supported an Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,781 (approx.) £13.27 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service!   Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,180 (approx.) £13.27 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service!   Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner