A REFORM UK county councillor has announced he is quitting the party over the authority’s plans to raise council tax.
Coun David Taylor, who represents Redditch East, said he was leaving the party and would continue sitting as an independent councillor.
Worcestershire County Council recently warned it was facing ‘effective bankruptcy’ and has applied to the government for permission to potentially increase council tax by up to 10 per cent from April.
He said in a statement that he did support a rise while serving in the cabinet, but not at this elevated and ‘unaffordable’ level.
“I also have to say, it has been incredibly difficult to speak up at times.
“The pressure to fall in line, to mute my own concerns, and to prioritise local party unity over honest conviction has often felt overwhelming.
“There were moments when raising my voice came with real consequences political, personal, and relational. Now, without the constraints of the local party whip, I can finally express my views openly.”
He has reaffirmed this commitment to the people of Church Hill, Winyates, Matchborough, and Ipsley.
“These communities aren’t just names on a map to me, they are home.
“I grew up in Matchborough West, lived in Matchborough East and bought kids up in Winyates plus lived on both sides of Church Hill. These neighbourhoods are full of workers, volunteers, and families who deserve a councillor that fights for them every single day.
“I will continue to stand up for my residents, challenge decisions that short‑change our area, and push relentlessly for Redditch to finally receive the fair share of investment it has been denied for far too long.”
