Solihull Council has a new political force after three sitting councillors defected to Reform UK, becoming the party’s first official representatives on the local authority.
The announcement was made at the Reform UK Party Conference at the NEC, where Cllr Michael Gough (Silhill Ward), Cllr Samantha Gethen (St Alphege Ward), and Cllr Alan Feeney (Castle Bromwich Ward) confirmed they were leaving their independent status to join Reform. The trio will now sit together as the Reform Group on Solihull Council, with Cllr Gough appointed as the group’s leader.
Cllr Gough said the decision reflected the need for “real solutions” to address rising costs, stretched local services, and disconnection between residents and decision-makers.
“Reform offers the solutions to restore trust, prioritise the needs of hardworking Britons, and champion our shared values,” he said.
Cllr Samantha Gethen, who left the Conservatives earlier this year, said her decision was about “honesty, accountability, and action.”
“Representing St Alphege is a privilege, and my priority has always been to stand up for residents,” she said. “Reform UK is different. It’s about fixing broken services, supporting families, and ensuring safer streets.”
Cllr Alan Feeney pointed to local frustrations over rising taxes, declining services, and development pressures in Castle Bromwich.
“Reform is the only party serious about tackling the deep shortcomings in our public services and restoring pride in our communities,” he said.
A New Opposition Voice in Solihull
With three councillors, Reform UK now becomes a recognised opposition group within Solihull Council. The group has pledged to:
- Expose and cut council waste.
- Campaign for safer communities and stronger policing.
- Stand up for families and protect Solihull’s local character.
- Ensure residents’ voices are heard at every level of government.
The move comes just months ahead of the May 2026 local elections, where Reform UK says it plans to field candidates in every ward across Solihull and the wider West Midlands. The party is hoping to build on momentum gained during the May 2025 elections, when it achieved full ballot representation across the region, including taking over Warwickshire County Council.