Reform UK defends council tax rises and cuts

Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice defended decisions to raise council tax and cut spending at local authorities led by the party in England.

Tice faced questions about the party's record in local government in a round of interviews with BBC radio stations ahead of its annual conference this week.

He argued Reform UK councillors had shown they were 'financially prudent' and were 'doing a good job of getting to grips with wasteful spending'.

The BBC interviews focused on Reform UK's policies in local government, where the party gained control of 24 councils following local elections this May and last year.

Tice also addressed questions about the party's record in national issues and the role of Nigel Farage, following a difficult summer of questions about a £5m gift received and not declared by Reform UK's leader.

Asked whether he would be prepared to lead the party, should Farage stand down, Tice insisted 'Nigel is going nowhere' and would lead the party into the next general election.

The party's conference in Birmingham this week is an opportunity for Reform UK to regain some political initiative and show it is capable of governing.

Tice said Reform UK would be talking about 'hope, optimism, and how to create some growth as we start to rebuild Britain'.

He also addressed topics such as council tax, spending cuts by Durham County Council, and climate change, with Tice saying the government should focus on adapting to it rather than 'arrogantly thinking we can stop it'.

Tice defended decisions to raise council tax and cut spending at local authorities led by Reform UK in England.

Tice also addressed questions about the party's record in national issues and the role of Nigel Farage, following a difficult