Story perspectives

Reform UK Sweeps West Yorkshire, Takes Council Control

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Reform UK swept West Yorkshire elections, taking control of Calderdale and Wakefield councils and becoming largest party on Kirklees council.
Dan Sutherland and Karl Johnson became leaders of Calderdale and Wakefield respectively.
Mayor Brian Moorhouse succeeded Labour’s Maureen Tennant-King.
Reform UK now holds 34 of 54 seats in Calderdale, 29 of 69 in Kirklees, and dominates Wakefield.
Johnson pledged to double road-marking budget and to undeclare climate emergency.

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Story summary

Reform UK swept West Yorkshire elections, taking control of Calderdale and Wakefield councils and becoming largest party on Kirklees council.
Dan Sutherland and Karl Johnson became leaders of Calderdale and Wakefield respectively.
Mayor Brian Moorhouse succeeded Labour’s Maureen Tennant-King.
Reform UK now holds 34 of 54 seats in Calderdale, 29 of 69 in Kirklees, and dominates Wakefield.
Johnson pledged to double road-marking budget and to undeclare climate emergency.