THE leader of Staffordshire County Council says his administration has shown they are “ready to do the hard work of governing”.
Cllr Ian Cooper’s comments come as Reform UK prepares to mark 100 days since it swept to power in the elections in May.
The milestone is reached this weekend and comes amid criticism from the Conservatives over plans to pause new non-essential roadworks and gaps between meetings.
But Cllr Cooper said his party had been busy making decisions such as scrapping projects including the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points – a move he says will save taxpayers £4.5million – and protecting county-owned farms from being sold for solar, wind or battery facilities.
He added:
“We have spent the first 100 days listening, learning and shaping the future direction of Staffordshire County Council – demonstrating responsibility, competence and professionalism.
“We are not a party of protest, but a party ready to do the hard work of governing.”
Reform UK said it had also “kickstarted” a financial review and audit of all sectors of council and service providers by looking at contracts, headcount, IT procurement, property and assets in a bid to “root out vanity projects and inefficient policies”.
The party also said its decision to only allow “patriotic flags” avoided promoting “divisive political symbols”.
Nigel Farage, national leader of Reform UK, said:
“On 1st May we showed that if you vote Reform, you get reform.
“In the 100 days since, Reform councils across Britain are getting on with the job and already delivering on their manifesto commitments.
“From rolling back the devastating net zero agenda on a local level to cutting wasteful spending, Reform councils are standing up for the priorities of local people, not the whims of bureaucrats or the entrenched elite.”
