Former waste portfolio holder says Reform UK’s win at Lincolnshire County Council is down to ‘disillusionment’

The former portfolio holder for waste and trading standards on Lincolnshire County Council has attributed the rise of Reform UK to "disillusionment with politics".

Conservative Daniel McNally was one of five senior members of the council’s administration to lose his seat to Reform candidates during the county elections on Thursday (May 1).

The party, led nationally by Nigel Farage, won 44 of the 70 seats on the county council, taking every seat in East Lindsey and Boston, and all but one in South Holland.

At the East Lindsey count, held at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre, Mr McNally lost to Bayleigh Robinson, who secured 1,453 votes to his 822.

After the result, Mr McNally congratulated his rival and thanked those who had supported him.

“It’s gutting that I’ve lost but understandable from everyone’s point of view,” he said.

When asked what he thought had driven such a large rise for Reform along the east coast, he said: “I think predominantly, it’s a national issue. People say it’s about immigration, but I think it’s a general disillusionment with politics itself.

“To be fair to Bayleigh, he’s run a very true campaign — it’s not been personal or bitter.”

Former deputy leader Patricia Bradwell, former portfolio holder for environment, planning and economic development Colin Davie, former adult care and public health lead Wendy Bowkett, and former portfolio holder for people management, complaints, legal and corporate property Richard Butroid also lost their seats in the elections.

Mr McNally, Mr Davie and Mrs Bowkett will continue to serve on East Lindsey District Council. Meanwhile, Mr Butroid will continue to serve on West Lindsey District Council.