Reform UK councillors in Walsall have been accused of backing away from a pre-election pledge to oppose a highly contentious school development on Reedswood Park woodland, after they walked out of a full council debate on the issue.
Council Debate Erupts Over School Plans
At a full council meeting on the evening of 27 July 2026, the decision to build a new secondary school on 13.7 acres of woodland in Reedswood Park was fiercely debated. The project, led by the Department for Education (DfE), would create a £50 million school with capacity for 1,000 pupils. Residents have consistently objected, citing the loss of a habitat for birds, bats, reptiles and mammals, as well as the detrimental impact on local road networks.
Prior to the local elections, Reform UK had publicly stated its opposition to the development. However, since taking control of the council, the administration has appeared to waver. During the debate, portfolio holder for children, education and skills, Councillor Lisa Jones, would only say that a decision would be announced in due course.
Walkout Sparks Accusations
In a move that angered campaigners and opposition councillors, half of the Reform cabinet, including council leader Elaine Williams and deputy Nicky Barker, left the chamber before the motion was discussed. The walkout followed advice from the council's monitoring officer, Edwina Adefehinti, who warned that cabinet members could only participate if they had no relevant interest under the code of conduct. However, critics point out that just a month earlier, the same cabinet members had freely taken part in a similar debate on the Leather Museum relocation.
Councillor Aftab Nawaz, leader of Walsall Community Independents, who tabled the notice of motion on the school, said: “I would talk to the administration but they have disappeared. The council leader … attended meetings and said we will oppose the school. It’s an old habit but if you get elected on promises, you should keep those promises.”
Opposition Leaders Criticise Reform
Deputy leader of Walsall Community Independents, Councillor Khizar Hussain, said: “Elected members for that area came to the public meetings and told residents they were going to oppose it. They said that clearly. But now they’ve chickened out, they’ve left the room. Face the music, answer the questions, engage with the residents. You should not make pledges before the elections and not deliver them when you get into power. When you let the people down like this it is shameful.”
Conservative group leader, Councillor Adrian Andrew, a former regeneration portfolio holder, took a more nuanced stance. He said: “The council says it’s going to give £1m of capital, that will bring in £50 million. That’s £50m for a brand new school that will serve generations of children and young people when most of us in this room will be gone. But I’ll be very clear, if the DfE continues along the lines of the access, we will oppose it tooth and nail because if you’re going to build a new facility like this you need to put the money into new infrastructure as well.”
Reform Response and Vote Outcome
Councillor Aiden Clarke, Reform member for Bloxwich East and Blakenall Heath, said: “As an administration we are looking at all the options and a decision on the future of this school will be announced in due course. As it currently stands we can’t agree with this motion at this time.” Labour member Councillor Simran Cheema added: “The residents have been raising concerns for a long time, including my former colleague Tina Jukes. I will not support the loss of a green space, more congestion and parking issues. This administration should go to DfE with an alternative site proposal.”
When the vote was finally taken, only eight councillors supported the motion calling on Reform to uphold its promise, 23 voted against, and six abstained. The result leaves residents and campaigners feeling let down by an administration that appeared to promise one thing before the election and deliver another in office.
