Full Breakdown
Reform UK Councillors Face Separate Investigations Over Alleged Misconduct
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Events
- James Sawkins, a Reform UK councillor for Waltham on North East Lincolnshire Council, has stepped away from his cabinet role as portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities after a Labour MP requested clarification about Sawkins’ involvement in an “ongoing police investigation.”
- The Electoral Commission has opened an investigation into historic matters concerning the accounts of the Bassetlaw Conservative Association Accounting Unit, now linked to Reform UK councillors Fraser McFarland (leader of the Reform group on Bassetlaw District Council) and Matthew Evans (newly elected Reform councillor). A Conservative-authored report recommended a permanent ban for McFarland and a five-year ban for Evans from holding office within the party.
Background & Context
- Police executed warrants on September 11 at properties in Grimsby and Waltham, seizing suspected unlicensed prescription drugs and Class A substances. A 43-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman were arrested on charges including concealing criminal property and supplying unauthorised medical products.
- The Bassetlaw inquiry focuses on financial management during 2022-2024, when the association hired a £21,000 campaign manager and entered a 50/50 cost-sharing agreement with the Conservative central office. The association paid only £2,500, leaving a shortfall that contributed to a £10,000 debt written off after the association was placed in special measures.
Official Statements & Responses
- Oliver Freeston said: “I understand that Councillor Sawkins has not been charged with an offence, and that the allegations concern a third party. Councillor Sawkins therefore remains a Reform UK councillor but is stepping away from Cabinet.”
- He added that Sawkins would step away from his cabinet responsibilities while grieving the loss of his father.
Data & Statistics
- Police arrests: one man and one woman, both aged 43, on multiple offences.
- Potential fines for the Bassetlaw matter: up to £20,000 under Electoral Commission powers.
- Campaign-manager cost: £21,000, with the association contributing £2,500 and the remainder unpaid.
- Reported debt written off: £10,000 after special-measures intervention.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The Conservative-party report claims the central office eventually wrote off £10,000, but the office has not confirmed this figure.
- The report notes a £21,000 campaign-manager expense split 50/50, yet the association’s accounts show only £2,500 paid, leaving the source of the remaining £7,500 unclear.
What’s Next
- The Electoral Commission’s inquiry into the Bassetlaw accounts remains ongoing, with no timetable disclosed.
- North East Lincolnshire Council has not announced further action regarding Sawkins beyond his temporary withdrawal from cabinet duties.