Two Reform councillors resign from the party

Two Reform councillors have resigned from the party less than a year after being elected.

Kathryn Shaw and Joanne Blythe will now sit on West Northamptonshire Council as Independents.

In a statement, Shaw said it had not been an "easy decision", but she could "more effectively advocate for strong safeguarding systems" outside of the party structure.

Reform said it was "disappointing" Shaw had resigned, and Blythe "has been suspended pending investigation after indicating her intention to become an independent councillor".

Shaw left her role as cabinet member for children, families and eduction at the Reform-run council in January.

As first reported in NN Journal, Shaw said: "Leadership requires honesty, particularly where safeguarding is concerned.

"Silence or avoidance serves no-one, least of all our children."

She added: "My decision is grounded in professional judgement and principle. I believe I can more effectively advocate for strong safeguarding systems, accountable governance and the removal of unnecessary bureaucracy affecting children and vulnerable people outside of a party structure.

"My commitment to protecting children, strengthening safeguarding culture and demanding accountability remains unwavering. The work continues, and it must continue with integrity, consciousness and courage."

In a statement, Blythe said that after reflection, she could no longer continue under the current leadership and had concerns about "what I perceive to be misogynistic undertones in the treatment I have received".

"I wish to be absolutely clear that the suspension of the whip related solely to an administrative inquiry made on behalf of another councillor regarding the procedural process for becoming an Independent. I am confident that there will be no plausible findings of misconduct against me," she said.

"I was elected to represent my community robustly, and that commitment remains unchanged. I will now continue that work independently, guided solely by the best interests of those I serve."

In a statement, a spokesperson for Reform West Northants said: "It is disappointing that Councillor Shaw has now chosen to resign from Reform UK, betraying the mandate her residents gave her and the activists who spent their time and energy to get her elected.

"Councillor Shaw has been increasingly disgruntled ever since she was removed from the role of cabinet member for children and families in January, following serious concerns raised around confidentiality and conduct.

"We can also confirm that C Joanne Blythe has been suspended pending investigation after indicating her intention to become an independent councillor."

Reform UK took control of the council from the Conservatives in the 2025 local elections.

After the two resignations, the political makeup of the unitary council is:

• Reform UK: 39 councillors
• Conservative: 17
• Labour: 8
• Liberal Democrat: 7
• Independent: 5

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