Reform councillor resigns as committee chair

A Reform UK councillor in Wakefield has resigned from his role leading the adult services and health overview and scrutiny committee.

Jacob Padget stepped down from the position amid claims he has been suspended by the party pending an investigation into his conduct. Padget was elected as one of three Reform UK councillors for the Featherstone ward in May's local elections, winning 1,882 votes.

Suspension claims disputed

On Monday, Reform UK's Wakefield Five Towns and District branch issued a statement saying Padget had been suspended "with immediate effect" while an internal inquiry was carried out. The statement added that the party whip had been removed and said: "Any conduct which falls short of the standards expected of those representing Reform UK is taken seriously."

However, a national Reform UK spokesperson contradicted the local branch's claim. They said Padget had "not been suspended by the party" and that "only the central party can suspend members. The branch does not have the power to unilaterally suspend people."

The local branch's statement did not specify what allegation had been made against Padget. The post has since been deleted. Padget declined to comment when approached by the BBC.

Next steps for the committee

Gillian Marshall, Wakefield Council's chief legal officer, confirmed Padget's resignation. She said: "At the next meeting, the committee will elect a chair for the meeting from within their membership and a report will go to the next full council meeting to appoint a permanent chair."

Padget remains listed as a Reform UK councillor on Wakefield Council's website. The local Reform branch said it would provide a further update when the internal investigation has concluded.