Reform UK Dudley group leader Cllr Marco Longhi has reported Conservative council leader Cllr Patrick Harley to the authority's standards committee after a series of social media insults and a remark in the council chamber. The dispute has escalated tensions between the two political figures, with Longhi accusing Harley of breaching the Members' Code of Conduct.
Social media insult leads to formal complaint
Cllr Longhi lodged the complaint after Cllr Harley described him as 'the only maggot' in a comment on a Facebook video. The video, posted by Longhi, showed him discussing maggots in uncollected food recycling bins. Harley's comment was made on July 13, 2026, the same day he told Longhi during a full council meeting to 'get on my boat back to Walsall'. Longhi previously served as mayor of Walsall and later as Conservative MP for Dudley before joining Reform UK.
Longhi stated: 'Patrick Harley is entitled to disagree with me, criticise my politics or challenge my performance – even if I'm in opposition. That's part of democratic debate and I have no issue with that. Calling me 'the only maggot' and telling me in the chamber to 'get on my boat back to Walsall', however, crosses the line from political debate into personal abuse.'
Code of conduct concerns
Longhi emphasised that the insults violate the Members' Code of Conduct, which requires councillors to treat others with respect and uphold the standards expected of elected office. 'The council leader sets the tone and should lead by example,' he added.
The complaint comes amid a broader concern about the conduct of certain members. Longhi said he had previously raised concerns privately with senior council officers about the tone and behaviour of some councillors, particularly towards opposition members. 'This latest incident reinforces those concerns, which is why I've referred the matter through the appropriate standards process,' he said.
Harley hits back, accuses Longhi of bullying
Cllr Harley defended his remarks, accusing Longhi of being a bully. He pointed to a social media post from October 2025 in which Longhi accused Harley of lying about asylum accommodation in the borough. In that post, Longhi labelled Harley a liar over a subject matter Harley claims Longhi knows nothing about.
Harley said: 'Longhi is a bully. He often insults myself and others on his social media posts. He often posts photos of opponents with insults added. He called me a liar about a subject matter he clearly knows nothing about.'
Harley further described Longhi as 'repulsive and quite contemptible', adding: 'That is what people refer to when calling someone a maggot. He is repulsive to many and is contemptible. The problem with Longhi and his followers is they dish it out but can't take it and go running to whoever will listen.'
Background of political rivalry
The exchange is the latest in a series of clashes between the two leaders. Longhi, a former Conservative MP, defected to Reform UK and now leads the opposition on Dudley Council. Harley has been council leader since 2019. The personal animosity has played out in council chambers and on social media, drawing criticism from residents who expect higher standards from their elected representatives.
The standards committee will now review Longhi's complaint and determine whether Harley breached the code of conduct. If found in breach, Harley could face sanctions including a formal apology or suspension.
