Reform UK announce new leader of county council

Councillor Stephen Atkinson says he wants to "build a better future for our county"

The new leader of Lancashire County Council will be Reform UK's councillor Stephen Atkinson.

The party took control of the authority after winning 53 of the 84 seats at the local elections on 1 May.

Atkinson, who was leader of Ribble Valley Council before defecting from the Conservatives, was elected to the county council to represent Ribble Valley South West with 2,174 votes.

The 55-year-old said: "I am passionate about Lancashire and can't wait to start working to ensure the council delivers excellent services for all our residents."

Born in Lancashire, the self-trained engineer started his first business venture with his brother at the age of 21.

They now run an educational furniture business as well as invest in commercial and industrial properties in the county.

'Make a difference'

Atkinson, who is married with two sons, describes himself as a devoted family man.

He said: "Together with my fellow councillors I will be looking to focus our policies on what is most important to residents so we can make a real difference.

"I'm also very much looking forward to working with officers as we build a better future for our county."

Atkinson is expected to be ratified as council leader at a meeting of the full council on 22 May, Lancashire County Council said.

County Councillor Simon Evans, member for Skelmersdale Central, was elected deputy leader of the Reform UK group and is also expected to be ratified at the meeting along with councillors selected to form the cabinet.

Reform's sweep to victory at the local elections saw it take the seats of the leaders of both the Conservative and Labour groups.

Conservative council leader Philippa Williamson lost her seat to Reform's Graham Dalton by 29 votes, and Labour leader Matthew Tomlinson had his seat taken off him by Hannah Whalley by 440 votes.

The Conservatives had previously held the council with 46 seats since 2017 having won the election then and again in 2021.