Councillor Bella Simon, the elected representative for Short Heath ward in Walsall, has left the Reform UK group and will now serve as an independent councillor. The decision behind her departure remains unclear, though she posted on social media that 'the full truth will come out in the end'.
Departure from Reform
Councillor Simon has not confirmed whether she resigned or was expelled from the party. In a Facebook post over the weekend, she stated: 'I didn’t choose to leave Reform, yes, I am now an independent, but this was not my decision.' She added that she remains 'Reform through and through' and pledged to continue working tirelessly for her constituents in Short Heath, promising to make the area 'a safer, cleaner place to live'.
Election background and term details
Councillor Simon was first elected in the May 2026 local elections, representing the same ward as the authority's Reform leader, Councillor Elaine Williams. Simon received the second highest number of votes in that election, securing a two-year term. In contrast, Councillor Williams, who garnered the third highest vote count, will face re-election in May 2027.
Second departure from Reform
Simon is the second councillor to leave Reform since the group gained control of Walsall Council nearly three months ago. In May, Councillor Robin Perry, who represents Harden, Goscote and Ryecroft ward, quit the group following a dispute over discrimination. Despite these resignations, the Reform group retains a commanding majority of 38 out of 60 council seats.
Reaction and next steps
Councillor Simon declined to speak further to the Local Democracy Reporting Service about her departure. Councillor Elaine Williams, the Reform leader on the council, has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
