Story perspectives

Reform UK Suspends Councillor Bradley Thompson Over Misconduct

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 4:20 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Reform UK suspended councillor Bradley Thompson over serious, well-documented misconduct allegations.
The party also suspended councillor Chris Perera on 17 September for damaging its interests.
Both men now sit as independent councillors on Essex County Council.
The Charity Commission is reviewing the Jaywick Sands Community Forum charity chaired by Thompson for governance concerns.

History

Historical Context

After the Daily Telegraph began publishing MP expense details on 8 May 2009, public outrage prompted the Parliamentary Standards Act (21 July 2009) and the creation of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which oversaw voluntary repayments of roughly £500,000. The scandal’s legacy of strict oversight now informs Reform UK’s suspension of local councillors Bradley Thompson and Chris Perera in England.

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Story summary

Reform UK suspended councillor Bradley Thompson over serious, well-documented misconduct allegations.
The party also suspended councillor Chris Perera on 17 September for damaging its interests.
Both men now sit as independent councillors on Essex County Council.
The Charity Commission is reviewing the Jaywick Sands Community Forum charity chaired by Thompson for governance concerns.

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