Full Breakdown
Worcestershire County Council Power Shift: Green-Led Coalition Forms Amid Conservative Party Suspension
5/15/2026, 9:10:59 PM
Coalition Formation and Leadership Shift
At a full council meeting on 15 May 2026, Worcestershire County Council elected Green councillor Matt Jenkins as its new leader after a cross-party alliance of Conservatives, Greens, Liberal Democrats and independents ousted Reform UK’s minority administration. The deal, described by Jenkins as a “rainbow coalition of like-minded people,” installed Adam Kent, the suspended Conservative group leader, as deputy leader. The arrangement immediately triggered a suspension of Kent by the national Conservative Party for contravening party instructions.
Background: Reform UK’s Minority Administration and Financial Challenges
Reform UK gained minority control of the 57-seat authority in May 2025 with 24 councillors, two short of a majority. During its year in charge the council raised council tax by 9 % and secured £59.9 million of emergency government funding to avoid bankruptcy. Party leader Nigel Farage later claimed Reform “inherited” the fiscal strain and expressed regret that the party “hadn’t bothered” to take control. Internal discord culminated in the removal of former Reform leader Jo Monk in April 2026 and her subsequent suspension for “refusing to accept the democratic decision of the Reform UK group.”
Key Figures and Party Positions
- Matt Jenkins (Green) – New council leader, emphasising cooperation and urging Conservative headquarters to stay out of local affairs.
- Adam Kent (Conservative) – Group leader suspended by the national party for arranging the coalition; remains deputy leader in the council cabinet.
- Alan Amos (Reform UK) – Replaced Monk as Reform group leader; criticised the coalition as “tawdry” and warned of “chaos.”
- Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative Party chairman) – Stated the party “totally opposed” the arrangement and that “the deal will not now go ahead.”
- Jo Monk (Former Reform leader) – Suspended from Reform; maintains she will work with any administration that serves residents.
Council Composition and Financial Data
- Conservatives: 12 councillors (including Kent)
- Greens: 8 councillors (including Jenkins)
- Liberal Democrats: 7 councillors
- Independents: several (exact number not specified)
- Reform UK: 24 seats (now in opposition)
- Emergency funding: £59.9 million for 2026-27
- Council-tax increase: 9 % under Reform UK
Official Statements & Responses
The Conservative Party’s national office said the chairman had repeatedly made clear that the party “was totally opposed to the proposed arrangement” and that Kent “did not make our opposition clear to his fellow Worcestershire councillors.” A spokesperson added that the suspension was “pending investigation.” Jenkins, speaking to the BBC, described the coalition as a “privilege but also daunting” and pledged to “sort out the mess” while protecting essential services. Reform UK declined comment on the leadership change. Independent councillor David Taylor urged national parties to refrain from local interference, calling the cooperation “a positive step” but noting that “time will tell.”
Criticism & Opposition
Reform UK’s opposition leader Alan Amos labelled the deal “tawdry” and accused the Conservatives of being “in crisis.” He warned that the new cabinet would be “chaos that will not last.” Jo Monk, while suspended, asserted she would “work with anybody” if it served residents, emphasizing her refusal to be silenced by party politics. Nigel Farage reiterated that Reform had inherited the council’s financial woes, not caused them.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the coalition’s stability after Kent’s suspension. While the alliance currently holds a combined majority, the Conservative Party’s statement that “the deal will not now go ahead” raises uncertainty about whether the 12 Tory councillors will continue to support the administration. No definitive timetable has been provided for a possible re-vote or restructuring of the cabinet.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Councillor Alan Amos said: "For the first time in this country we have a Conservative Party voting to put in a coalition of Greens and Lib Dems, left wing loonies.” — Alan Amos, Reform UK opposition leader
- “[But] Tory HQ should just stay out of it,” — Matt Jenkins, Green councillor and council leader
- “I will never apologise for speaking out when I believe something is wrong. I was elected to represent residents, not to stay silent, look the other way, or put party politics before principles.” — Jo Monk, former Reform leader
- “The deal will not now go ahead.” — Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative Party chairman
What’s Next
The Conservative group plans an internal meeting to discuss Kent’s suspension and the future of the coalition. Reform UK’s independent group, led by David Taylor, expects to expand, potentially adding a fifth member. The council’s next budget, due in February 2027, will test the alliance’s ability to manage cuts while maintaining essential services. National party leaders from all sides have signalled continued interest, but the outcome will hinge on local councillors’ willingness to cooperate despite external pressure.
