Conservatives have returned to power at Redditch Borough Council after striking a confidence and supply agreement with Reform UK, ending two years of Labour leadership.
The arrangement, approved by a single vote at a full council meeting, sees the Conservatives run the council with support from Reform and three independent councillors.
Reform, which won seven seats in this month's local elections compared to the Conservatives' four, will receive the mayor and deputy mayor roles alongside committee chairs covering planning and licensing. Labour, despite holding 13 seats, is now in opposition.
Matt Dormer returns as council leader, having previously been ousted by Labour in 2024. He admitted to the BBC that the Conservatives were not the change voters sought, but argued the deal was ‘the only way of delivering change’ for residents.
Reform's group leader Nic Pioli said the party would hold the new administration to account, while former Labour leader Sharon Harvey warned the arrangement risked ‘chaos and upheaval’.
