Reform UK has expelled Birmingham councillor Rebecca Waters after she defied the party in a crucial council leadership vote last month. Waters, who represents the Rubery and Rednal ward, voted for Liberal Democrat Roger Harmer instead of her own party leader Jex Parkin during the election. She confirmed to BirminghamLive that the vote was intentional and that she 'had her reasons,' but declined to elaborate further.
Immediate Suspension and Expulsion
Waters was immediately suspended following the vote and learned of her expulsion via email on Monday. Reform UK released a statement saying: 'Councillor Waters has been expelled from Reform UK after bringing the party into disrepute.' She now sits as an independent councillor, reducing Reform's numbers from 23 to 22 on the council.
Impact on Council Dynamics
Despite the reduction, Reform UK remains the largest single group on the splintered council. However, the party forms the official opposition to a coalition of Greens, Liberal Democrats, and Better Birmingham Independents. The expulsion has weakened Reform's position but not its status as the dominant party.
Party Defends Another Councillor
The expulsion comes as Reform UK also defended another Birmingham councillor, Darren Colling, over inappropriate social media comments about young women. Group leader Jex Parkin said the comments were deleted before Colling took office and described them as a 'mistake.' Yardley MP Jess Phillips called Colling's comments 'creepy' and urged action from the party leadership.
Waters' Future
Waters has not indicated whether she will seek to join another party or remain independent. Her expulsion has sparked debate within local political circles about party discipline and the consequences of defying leadership. As an independent, she retains her council seat but loses the backing of Reform UK.
