Reform UK leadership confirmed in Gateshead Council

Gateshead’s new Reform administration flexed its majority at the Civic Centre on Friday afternoon by formally electing the new council leader and deputy, Nick Allan and Fiona Pearce.

The party was able to win the vote to appoint its leadership, despite having seven councillors absent as they were attending a wedding in Turkey.

Ultimately, Reform still had 30 councillors in the chamber to the combined opposition parties’ 28.

The local election results earlier this month marked the first time Labour has not held the reins of power in the Gateshead Council chamber, going back more than 50 years.

Reform claimed 38 seats out of 66 following the May 7 poll.

However, one of its new councillors in the High Fell ward has already resigned. The party said that Danielle Cavanagh had quit the role due to added work commitments as her business is expanding.

Coun Allan also announced earlier this week that Reform would effectively refund the cost of the by-election through one of its cabinet members not claiming their special responsibility allowance of almost £20,000 this year. 

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Friday that the others missing from the meeting would have been able to attend had it taken place last week, as had been originally planned. It was also confirmed that all seven  had signed their declaration forms confirming their position as elected representatives.  

In addition, Coun Allan also announced the makeup of the council’s new cabinet following a question from Labour group leader John Adams. 

Reform’s new cabinet at Gateshead Council is as follows:

• Deputy leader (and children’s services): Coun Fiona Pearce
• Adult social care: Coun Col Daughtry
• Sport and culture: Coun Michael Robinson
• Housing: Coun Gavin Brierley
• Environment: Coun Garry Thompson
• Roads and traffic: Coun Graham Keating
• Economic development: Coun Steve Campion
• Public health and community safety: Coun Sandra Pickering

Reform councillors were also elected to the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Coun Andrea Graham of Birtley North and Lamesley ward and Coun Michelle Merrin of the Lobley Hill and Bensham ward took the roles respectively.