The leader of Reform UK in Solihull has stated that the party is not considering any coalition agreements, as its sole focus is on securing an outright majority in the upcoming local elections. All 51 council seats will be contested on May 7, and in the lead-up, local democracy reporter Sam Greenway posed key questions to party leaders to assist voters in making their decisions.
Q: What are your main aims if you win a majority and form an administration?
Councillor Michael Gough, leader of the Reform UK group which currently holds four seats, outlined clear, common-sense priorities aimed at putting Solihull families first. These include protecting the green belt wherever possible and ending what he described as a speculative housing free-for-all that has plagued the borough under previous leadership. He criticized the failed Local Plan, which wasted over £1.3 million and was withdrawn, leaving the borough without an up-to-date strategy. Gough emphasized that infrastructure—such as better roads, schools, and GP surgeries—must come before new housing. Other pledges include cracking down on fly-tipping with faster enforcement, higher fines, and vehicle seizures for repeat offenders, as well as a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour through stronger police partnerships. He also promised to deliver real value for council tax by cutting waste, protecting frontline services like pothole repairs, park maintenance, and elderly care, while avoiding expensive vanity projects. Gough concluded that Solihull needs straight-talking leadership that listens to residents.
Q: What would you do about the council's finances, and can residents expect council tax rises?
Gough acknowledged that the council's finances are fragile, with recent budgets relying on reserves, exceptional financial support, and maximum council tax rises. He noted that his group reluctantly backed this year's 4.99% increase as a responsible short-term step for residents facing national cost pressures, but stressed that it merely papers over cracks and defers tough choices. A Reform administration would immediately launch a root-and-branch efficiency review to eliminate waste, streamline services, attract investment, and prioritize value for money. Gough committed to keeping future increases minimal by fixing underlying problems rather than kicking the can down the road. He argued that the financial situation strengthens the case for Reform, as sound management will free resources to deliver efficiency while maintaining essential services.
Q: Would you negotiate with other parties if there is no overall control?
Gough was unequivocal: the party is campaigning hard for a Reform majority and is focused on winning every seat and controlling the council outright, so there is no thought of deals at this stage. He stated that Reform will not compromise on its objectives or prop up failed approaches that put ideology or inertia ahead of residents.
Q: What issues are residents raising during canvassing?
According to Gough, residents across the wider borough are frustrated by green belt pressure, inadequate infrastructure for new housing, potholes, declining parks, rampant fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour, rising council tax with poorer services, and strains on elderly care and family neighbourhoods from unchecked developments. Reform would respond with infrastructure-first planning, robust enforcement against fly-tippers, stronger community safety partnerships, leaner operations to protect frontline services, and genuine listening to local voices.
Q: What would you say to undecided voters?
Gough urged those tired of the same old politics delivering withdrawn plans, congestion, litter, and tax rises without results to see May 7 as their chance for change. He described Reform UK as offering genuine change with ambitious, resident-focused leadership that protects what matters. A vote for Reform, he said, is a vote for common sense, adding that Solihull deserves better.
