Two Reform councillors suspended in conduct probe

Councillors Nicole Brooke and Patrick Lambert were suspended by Reform UK

Two Reform UK councillors have been suspended from the party "pending an investigation into their conduct".

Northumberland County Councillors Nicole Brooke and Patrick Lambert had the "whip suspended pending investigation for breaching the Reform council group rules in a manner that could be detrimental to the party's interests", a statement read.

It follows the suspension of another Northumberland Reform UK councillor, John Allen, earlier this month.

Lambert, who represents the Norham and Islandshires ward, has been approached for comment. Brooke, who represents Berwick North, declined to provide a statement.

All three suspended councillors were elected in May following a full council vote which saw Reform UK become the second largest party on the Conservative-led authority.

The suspensions mean the total number of Reform councillors in Northumberland has fallen to 20.

Among other roles, Lambert holds a position on the audit and standards committee while Brooke is on the licensing and regulatory committee.

Reform UK said it was investigating a breach of the council group rules which were not publicly available.

Allen, who has been approached for comment, was previously suspended following allegations that he made online comments threatening to kill the prime minister, which the BBC could not verify.

Reform UK said there was "no further update" on Allen's suspension.