Reform selects Gateshead council leader

Reform UK has named Nick Allan as its group leader on Gateshead Council, which it took control of in the recent election to end more than five decades of Labour dominance.

The Dunston Hill and Whickham East councillor is joined by Fiona Pearce, councillor for Wardley and Leam Lane, who has been elected deputy leader of the group.

Retired businessman Allan, 69, said the party would not cut services for the sake of reducing council tax.

"We are responsible people, responsible citizens who are looking to focus and redirect resources to where they need to be, rather than on more frivolous projects," he claimed.

Allan expressed his gratitude to the people of Gateshead and said the team would be doing a "lot of listening" before making any major policy announcements, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He said changes to the town's road system to "free up access to Newcastle city centre" would be among the party's top priorities.

"If the road systems around the borough are not up to standard, we won't get the economic growth we need," he said.

Reform holds 38 seats on Gateshead Council, with 13 held by the Liberal Democrats, 12 Labour and three Green Party.

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