Reform UK councillor 'honoured' to lead authority

Mark Arnull's career background involved organising major international events

A newly-elected councillor said he felt "hugely honoured" after he was named as the new leader of a local authority.

Reform UK members on West Northamptonshire Council selected Mark Arnull for the role after the party seized control from the Conservatives in the local elections.

Arnull was elected as a councillor for the Kingsthorpe North ward.

Reform UK won 42 out of 76 seats on the council in the recent local election, securing an overall majority and entering the administration on the authority for the first time.

The council was previously run by the Tories, who saw the number of councillors slashed from 50 down to 13.

West Northamptonshire is a unitary council, which means it runs the majority of local services, such as bin collections, road maintenance and social care.

Mark Arnull and James Petter (right) will lead West Northamptonshire Council

Arnull, whose career background is in helping to organise major international events, said: "I'm proud to have an excellent team around me who I know are dedicated to delivering for local people.

"Having started from scratch, it's incredible that we now have full control of both Northamptonshire councils.

"The message from residents is loud and clear: they want real change, and we will deliver that."

James Petter, councillor for Far Cotton, Delapre and Briar Hill, will be Arnull's deputy leader.

The decision to name Arnull as leader comes soon after Reform UK named Martin Griffiths as the new leader of North Northamptonshire Council.