In 2025, Worcestershire witnessed a dramatic political upheaval that reshaped the county’s governance and set the stage for substantial changes ahead.
Reform UK captured minority control of Worcestershire County Council, ending a 20-year Conservative stronghold. This shift was driven by ongoing financial challenges and debates over local government restructuring, with key decisions expected in the near future.
Here’s a look back at the pivotal events throughout the year:
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January
The year began with council leaders warning that Worcestershire County Council was on the brink of bankruptcy without extraordinary financial support (EFS) from the Government. A proposed 4.99% council tax increase and the potential sale of County Hall were introduced to stabilize finances. Council leader Simon Geraghty requested the Government postpone the upcoming elections to prioritize the introduction of a unitary authority, a move opposed by many councillors.
February
Worcester City Council approved a 1.7% rise in its council tax precept. City officials backed a plan to consolidate Worcestershire’s seven councils into two unitary authorities, contrasting with the county’s proposal for a single “One Worcestershire” unitary authority. The county council’s annual budget relied on EFS to cover a £33.6 million deficit.
March
Reform UK declared its intention to run candidates in every Worcestershire constituency for the upcoming elections. Conservative highways chair Marc Bayliss announced he would not seek re-election due to health reasons. Meanwhile, then deputy Green Party leader Zack Polanski campaigned in Worcester to support Green candidates.
April
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch visited Evesham, emphasizing the party’s commitment to contest every vote. Former TV personality Seb James and ex-health secretary Stephen Dorrell were among those contesting council seats. Ex-Conservative Alan Amos defected to Reform UK after an unexpected recruitment effort.
May
Reform UK won minority control of Worcestershire County Council by securing 27 of 57 seats—just shy of a majority. Veteran council leader Simon Geraghty lost his seat to Green candidate Tor Pingree, while environment chief Emma Stokes was unseated by Reform’s Michele Hulme. Jo Monk of Reform became council leader, with former city mayor Louis Stephen appointed chairman. Matt Lamb was elected Worcester mayor, with Pingree as deputy mayor.
June
Worcester City Council announced job cuts amid a £970,000 funding shortfall. Reform’s first cabinet meeting lasted only 20 minutes, described as the shortest in council history. The Government pledged £20 million to Warndon development over the next decade. Controversy arose over claims that a councillor was pressured by a campaign group to back a bike pump track. Reform leader Zia Yusuf promised to eliminate wasteful spending. A public consultation on council restructuring, Shape Worcestershire, launched. Emma Sims left the Conservatives to join the Liberal Democrats.
July
The county council scrapped plans for a new secondary school in Worcester. A Freedom of Information request revealed County Hall had cost taxpayers over £2 million while sitting empty for a year. Most of the Spetchley Road site was approved for sale. Environment lead Ian Cresswell avoided confirming climate change views. Worcestershire’s complaints handling drew its sixth consecutive annual warning from the Local Government Ombudsman. Councillor Elena Round left the Greens to become an independent. City councillors backed a plan to improve Worcester’s air quality.
August
Council director John Hobbs was suspended on full pay. Worcestershire’s councils collectively carried £750 million in debt. Reform deputy leader David Taylor resigned but remained a cabinet member; Finance chief Rob Wharton became the new deputy leader. MP Tom Collins proposed a city shuttle bus to ease congestion and boost the night economy by £20 million.
September
The council faced scrutiny over England flag displays linked to a local campaign. Leader Lynn Denham connected the campaign to the English Defence League (EDL). Plans were announced to shelve a £12 million Redditch Railway Station upgrade and reduce highways spending. Council leader Jo Monk warned Conservative councillor Karen May over budget disputes. Reform councillor Gaynor Jean-Louis resigned citing health issues.
October
The council said a £16 million footbridge in Evesham couldn’t be abandoned due to legal reasons. County Hall was ruled unsuitable for a new school and might be demolished within a year. Reform’s Matthew Winfield won a Wychavon District Council by-election following a Conservative resignation. A legal challenge by Reform councillor Liz Williams regarding the May elections was dismissed. Liberal Democrat Sam Ammar won the Bromsgrove South by-election.
November
Opposition councillors rejected scrapping the proposed secondary school after an eight-hour debate. Worcestershire County and Wyre Forest District Councils jointly proposed a single unitary authority to the government. Another plan from several councils suggested dividing Worcestershire into two unitaries. The council approved free bus travel for military veterans. Auditors warned the council to reduce an escalating education funding deficit. The city council planned a new tax premium on more vacant homes.
December
Plans for “golden handcuffs” payments aimed at retaining senior officers were revealed. The county requested government permission to increase council tax by more than 5% and sought EFS funding for a second year. Councillor David Taylor was removed from the cabinet over fundamental policy disagreements.
2025 was a year of seismic change for Worcestershire politics, marked by Reform UK’s dramatic rise and the ongoing challenge of navigating financial instability and governance reforms.