Politics latest: Claims of infighting, bullying at Reform council

9th September, 2026 | News

1. Sky News Investigation: Chaos in Reform-Led Durham Council

Sky News aired a special investigation on The Cathy Newman Show detailing internal turmoil at Durham County Council—Reform UK’s flagship local authority won in May 2025.

• Whistleblower Testimonies: Former Reform councillors who defected or resigned described the council’s administration as “chaos,” “shambolic,” and a “shit show.” Disillusioned members expressed concern over the party’s ability to govern nationally if it cannot manage local councils.
• Reform UK’s Response: A party spokesperson called the report “misleading and malicious,” accusing Sky News of relying on disgruntled ex-councillors who were suspended for bullying and employing illegal workers. The party maintained that its Durham record is a success, highlighting renegotiated contracts and low council tax rates.
• Political Commentary: Former Reform backer Tim Montgomerie urged Nigel Farage and party leadership to be honest about mistakes and investigate underperforming local authorities.

2. UK-Israel Sanctions Escalation & Westminster Divide

Following Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s announcement of trade sanctions on goods produced in occupied West Bank settlements, diplomatic and political tensions escalated rapidly:

• Diplomatic Retaliation: Israel announced the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem, withdrew representatives from the International Gaza Support Centre, and banned 11 British MPs from entering the country.
• International Reactions: U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would speak directly to British and Israeli leaders to understand the decision. Meanwhile, 13 countries—including France and Canada—joined the UK in imposing sanctions.
• Parliamentary Debate:
  • Conservatives & Reform: Former shadow defence secretary Sir Bernard Jenkin and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice warned that the sanctions jeopardize critical anti-terror intelligence sharing and damage UK-US relations. Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch’s team labeled the sanctions “partisan posturing.”
  • Government & Allies: Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Lib Dem MP Mike Martin defended the move, stating the UK’s intelligence relationships remain robust and arguing that the collapse of a two-state solution poses a far greater global security risk.

3. Met Police Expand Reform UK Finance Investigation

• The Metropolitan Police expanded an ongoing criminal investigation into Reform UK under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
• The expanded probe follows a Channel 4 News report alleging two senior aides arranged for a U.S. firm to fund £32,500 worth of political polls. Both aides have since stepped down.
• Reform UK denied any wrongdoing and stated it is fully cooperating with authorities.

4. Holborn & St Pancras By-Election Setup

• Labour Candidate: Labour selected Sagal Abdi-Wali, current leader of Camden Council, to contest the Holborn and St Pancras seat following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation from Parliament earlier in the month.
• Key Contenders: The Green Party, led by Westminster leader Zack Polanski (who intends to run), is expected to mount a strong challenge ahead of the October 8, 2026 vote.

5. Highlights from Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs)

• Defence vs. Social Security: Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch challenged PM Andy Burnham over military spending. Burnham sparked pushback from opposition benches after asserting: “We do everything to support our national security, but it can’t come at the expense of social security.” Reform leader Nigel Farage heavily criticized the statement online.
• Scottish Independence Stance: Burnham signaled that a future Scottish independence referendum could be considered if there is a clear and sustained majority of public support, drawing parallels to the Northern Ireland border poll criteria. Downing Street later clarified that Labour’s policy opposing independence remains unchanged.
• Hospitality Relief Hint: In response to Plaid Cymru’s call for VAT cuts on local businesses, Burnham hinted at potential support for the hospitality sector in the upcoming budget.

News Source: Skynews