People want powerful change after election - MP

Worcestershire's election results, which saw the Conservatives lose overall control of the county council after 20 years, show people want "powerful change", according to Worcester's MP.

Reform won 27 of the 57 seats on Worcestershire County Council last week – two short of an overall majority - and Labour MP Tom Collins said it was now up to the party to make the most of the opportunity.

Labour lost a seat on the council meaning there are just two councillors remaining.

He said his party was nine months in to leading the country but it was "a sign that people want to see powerful change, they want to see people ready to make decisions – that's entirely what we're here for."

"I'm very pleased that we managed to hold two seats," said Mr Collins.

"The Conservatives had such a strong hold on the council and what we've seen is a clear sign of frustration – and I agree.

"We've had 14 years of disaster nationally and our county council's been an utter disaster locally, so this is a moment for change, and we'll have to see now what Reform do with their opportunity."

He said he would "keep doing it locally" adding that he had to keep listening, putting people first and "bring the change that we want to see."

The new look of the council will take shape over the next few days with councillor Bill Hopkins, who held his seat for Reform in St Chads in the Wyre Forest, saying he will put himself forward to lead the group on the council.

Reform could decide to form a minority administration or make a deal to reach the magic number of 29.

Alan Amos, elected for Reform in Bedwardine, said at Thursday's election count there would be "no deal with the Tories".

Labour councillor Richard Udall said of Reform's rise to power that he was concerned but was "prepared to work with whoever has been elected, who has gained the confidence of their electorate to try and achieve the best for Worcestershire."

"I believe by using common sense, we can come together and come to some sort of arrangement," he added.

"They're going to have a lot of inexperience, they're going to be lacking in a lot of knowledge and it's going to be a steep learning curve for them. I'm here to help them if they want my assistance."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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