In a surprising turn of events, newly-elected councillor Luke Shingler, representing Nuneaton's Galley Common in Warwickshire, has announced that he will serve as an Independent councillor for the next 18 months due to his employment situation. Shingler, a member of Reform UK, stated that the nature of his job prevents him from officially serving under any political organization or party. This revelation comes shortly after his election, where he garnered 1,289 votes.
On April 28, 2025, Shingler took to Facebook to express his regrets, noting, "I cannot run under a political organisation, party or movement due to my employment". He acknowledged that it was too late to change the ballot papers that had linked him to Reform UK, emphasizing that he must serve as an Independent until he leaves his job. His message conveyed a sense of disappointment, as he said it was delivered with "a heavy heart" after "a very long few days trying to put out a fire that happened due to my mistake".
Despite this unexpected development, a spokesperson for Reform UK expressed confidence that Shingler would return to the party once his employment situation changes. The spokesperson stated, "Due to his employment, Mr. Shingler is not able to represent any party on Warwickshire Council. We are confident that he will sit as a Reform UK councillor in 18 months following the end of his employment." The exact nature of Shingler's job remains undisclosed at his request, as revealing it could jeopardize his current position.
In another recent development within Reform UK, the party has quashed rumors surrounding Brian Evans, a newly-elected councillor for the St Martins division in Shropshire. Along with fellow councillor Carl Rowley, Evans faced speculation that he would be returning to France shortly after his election. This rumor was fueled by a post on the Reform Party UK Exposed page on X (formerly Twitter), which claimed that Evans would only serve five months before relocating.
However, a spokesperson for Reform UK firmly denied these claims, asserting that Evans will remain in Shropshire and is committed to attending council meetings regularly. The spokesperson stated, "Brian Evans has taken up his responsibilities in Shropshire Council and will continue to do so as an elected representative to solve Shropshire’s problems as part of the 16 elected Reform councillors, making Reform the official opposition in Shropshire." Evans was elected with 626 votes, while Rowley topped the ballot with 700 votes, both securing their positions as councillors for the St Martins division.
Following the election, Evans expressed gratitude to the voters, saying, "We are very pleased for ourselves, for the party and the people of St Martins who’ve shown such faith in us to represent them." He acknowledged the various issues facing Shropshire, particularly within the farming community and urban areas, and mentioned their plans to address these concerns promptly.
Meanwhile, Reform UK has celebrated recent successes, with councillors vowing to deliver for islanders following historic wins in the local elections. The party is keen to position itself as a strong alternative to the traditional political parties, particularly in light of recent local government changes.
As these developments unfold, the political landscape in both Warwickshire and Shropshire continues to evolve, with newly-elected councillors navigating the complexities of their roles while managing personal commitments. The actions and statements of these councillors will be closely monitored by their constituents, who are eager to see how their representatives will address local issues in the coming months.
With the local elections still fresh in the minds of voters, the performance of these councillors will likely play a significant role in shaping public perception of Reform UK as it seeks to establish itself in local governance. The party's ability to respond to challenges and maintain transparency will be crucial as it aims to build trust and support among the electorate.
