Reform UK tops Kirklees Council but leadership vote stalls

**Reform UK became the largest party on Kirklees Council after winning 29 of the 69 seats, but a vote to choose a leader collapsed when new councillors said they did not understand the meeting rules. The council remains without a leader after officials adjourned the annual meeting.

Kirklees Council has 69 seats, and no party holds a majority after the most recent local elections. Reform UK’s 29 seats gave it the largest bloc, but it still needs support from other groups to form an administration. The annual meeting confirms the council’s leader and approves the committee structure.

Reform UK leader Sarah Wood and Green Party councillor Andrew Cooper both announced they were running to lead the council. Several newly elected councillors, including Wood, told the meeting they were unclear on the council’s procedural rules, which govern how officials take votes and conduct debates. Because of that uncertainty, officials abandoned the vote on the leadership.

The outcome leaves Kirklees without a clear executive, potentially delaying decisions on budget, services, and planning applications. Parties may now negotiate to form a coalition or seek a compromise candidate who can command enough support. Observers will watch whether the council can reconvene and elect a leader before its next scheduled meeting.

The next council meeting, which officials expect in a few weeks, will test whether parties can agree on a leader or if they need further procedural guidance.**