The boozy Teams call at the heart of a Reform council meltdown

A flagship Reform council has collapsed into turmoil after allegations of misconduct, including claims of alcohol consumption and vaping during official meetings, alongside ongoing internal disputes and a potential vote of no confidence against its leader. The crisis has unfolded at Durham County Council, where Reform UK secured control in May's local elections, capturing 65 of 98 seats. The authority, overseeing more than half a million residents and managing an annual budget of £1.3 billion, is now embroiled in controversy that threatens its stability. The conflict centers around Councillor Andrew Husband, the council leader, whose position faces mounting pressure from within Reform. Councillor Kenny Hope, an independent former Reform chief whip, plans to initiate a vote of no confidence in Husband, citing the council's chaotic state. Other defectors from Reform, such as Councillor Nick Brown, have criticized the leadership, suggesting Husband might not survive the year in office. The Liberal Democrat opposition leader, Amanda Hopgood, expressed concerns that internal discord is overshadowing the need to manage public services effectively. Reform UK's national standing appears unaffected, with polling indicating continued voter support. However, the local chapter has been plagued by infighting since its inception, leading to 13 resignations among councillors over the past 15 months. A leaked email exchange reveals escalating tensions, particularly regarding a standards investigation into Councillor Paul Sexton, who transitioned from an independent to a Reform member after the May 2025 elections. Sexton faced allegations of bullying and harassment while serving as an independent in 2021, but was exonerated of all charges. Despite this, a committee of councillors sought to escalate the inquiry, believing the wrongdoing occurred in the opposite direction. This led to accusations against the council's own officials, including Chief Executive John Hewitt, of maladministration for instigating the initial probe. In a recent communication to Reform members, Husband acknowledged the council's need to seek costly legal counsel, which ultimately determined the standards committee was mistaken. He stated that the administration had to apologize for the behavior of the committee, emphasizing that the party's involvement had contributed to the chaos. Opponents of Husband, including former Reform colleagues Kenny Hope, Kate Rowland, and Nick Brown, dispute his account. In a detailed response to Husband and other Reform members, Hope alleged that the leader colluded with council officers, including Hewitt, to downplay member grievances. Hope claimed that some members engaged in drinking and vaping during a meeting discussing the issue, though Husband denied recalling any alcohol consumption during such gatherings. Husband clarified that individuals are free to consume whatever they choose during private Teams calls among Reform members. Meanwhile, the situation continues to unfold with implications for the council's governance and the broader Reform party's reputation. As the internal strife persists, the future of Husband's leadership remains uncertain, with potential repercussions for the council's operations and the party's image.