Opposition criticise Reform as transport lead changes after matter of weeks

By James Smith 2nd Aug 2025

There is a new portfolio holder for transport and planning in Warwickshire (image by WCC)
There is a new portfolio holder for transport and planning in Warwickshire (image by WCC)

Opposition councillors have once again criticised Reform UK and its Warwickshire leadership after another cabinet change.

On Friday (August 1) it was announced Cllr Nigel Golby would be stepping down as the portfolio holder for transport and planning at Warwickshire County Council (WCC), after just a few weeks in the post.

Cllr Golby - who remains a councillor - will be replaced in the post by Hartshill & Mancetter councillor Jennifer Warren.

The news comes after opposition councillors heavily criticised Cllr Golby's attendance record as portfolio holder, a role it took the Reform group a while to fill in the first place.

Following the latest change - which comes as Cllr George Finch was elected permanent leader at WCC - Liberal Democrats have said "Warwickshire deserves better" and questioned whether Reform has a plan for making the county's roads better.

Cllr Nigel Golby' poor attendance record had drawn criticism from fellow councillors (images via Nub News / WCC)

"Transport and planning is one of the biggest and most important budget areas at the county council, so replacing the portfolio holder within just a few weeks of his appointment is not good news," said Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Lib Dem leader.

'"Every day residents, visitors, businesses and community groups in Warwickshire depend on the competency of the decisions made by the transport and planning portfolio holder.

"Maintaining our roads and pavements, encouraging use of our footpaths and cycle routes and enabling even more use of buses and trains are services that impact everyone in the county on a daily basis.

"So, why when the announcement was made today was there no statement from the Reform UK leadership at the council to show that they understood the importance and scale of these services?

"Why, after being in power now for three months, was there no statement about Reform's plans to address the challenges of delivering value for money on our highways maintenance contract and highways capital projects?"

     

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