Former West unitary cabinet member and colleague quit Reform UK to go independent
West unitary councillors Kathryn Shaw and Joanne Blythe announce today they are going independent referencing ‘toxic and poisonous culture’
By Sarah Ward
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A former cabinet member on West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has resigned as a Reform UK councillor and become independent, along with another female colleague.
Cllr Kathryn Shaw has quit the party this morning saying that safeguarding of vulnerable children needs to improve and she believes she can advocate better outside of Reform UK.
And Cllr Joanne Blythe, councillor for Headlands, who Reform UK says has been suspended pending investigation, has also quit the party. Her departure comes weeks after she had put in a complaint against the leader Cllr Mark Arnull.
Cllr Shaw, who is the former cabinet member for children’s services, was sacked by Cllr Arnull in January and since then has been pondering her next move.
She wrote in a public statement this morning, referencing county lines, grooming and child exploitation:
“For many years, uncomfortable conversations have too often been softened, delayed, or politicised.
“Safeguarding cannot operate within those constraints. It requires clarity, courage and an unwavering moral compass. It demands that we examine the culture that has developed across institutions, agencies, communities and ask whether it has truly prioritised children above all else.
“Frontline professionals repeatedly raise concerns. Many work tirelessly under immense pressure. Yet as a collective , across political divides and public services, we must be prepared to say clearly and without hesitation: enough is enough.
“This responsibility does not sit solely with authorities. Parents, families and communities must also remain conscious and engaged.”
She continued: “Throughout my time in office, I have raised concerns and contributed constructively in good faith. However, I feel that I can no longer represent the Party with the full confidence and alignment that responsible public service requires.
“My decision is based on principle and professional judgement. It is not personal, nor is it intended as criticism of any individual. I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served and for the colleagues who are working hard within challenging environments.
I will continue my work advocating for strong safeguarding systems, accountable governance, and better outcomes for children and families. That commitment remains unchanged.”
She said while working as children’s services cabinet member, she found all the staff in the local authority and the children’s trust (which runs day to day management) to be excellent. However she claimed the culture within the West Northants Reform UK group is ‘toxic and poisonous’.
Cllr Shaw, was elected to represent the Upton Ward on WNC in the Reform UK local election landslide last May. A local party made up of many political rookies and paper candidates, she became the cabinet member for children’s services after being the only councillor who had put their hat in the ring.
Born and raised in the Kings Heath area of Northampton, she is the eldest of nine children and is a qualified therapist.
While in January time, it was reported in a statement sent out by the authority, that Cllr Shaw had resigned, she revealed to NN Journal she had been told by Cllr Mark Arnull she was to be removed from the role.
She had been called into his office at One Angel Square, Northampton, for what she thought was a one-to-one meeting to discuss the service, but instead was told by Cllr Arnull that there had been a complaint from a member of the public (she was not given the details) and that he had lost confidence her and she had to resign or would be fired.
She says she was distraught, and was comforted by council officers in the executive support team, and described what happened in his office as a 'kangaroo court’. She did send in a resignation letter, but says she had not wanted to leave the role.
A Reform UK spokesperson said today:
“It is disappointing that Cllr Shaw has now chosen to resign from Reform UK, betraying the mandate her residents gave her and the activists who spent their time and energy to get her elected.
“Cllr Shaw has been increasingly disgruntled ever since she was removed from the role of Cabinet Member for Children & Families in January, following serious concerns raised around confidentiality and conduct.
“We can also confirm that Cllr Joanne Blythe has been suspended pending investigation after indicating her intention to become an independent councillor.”
Cllr Blythe put in her resignation within the last hour and told NN Journal:
“This decision has followed careful reflection. I have concluded that I can no longer continue under the current leadership environment.
“I wish to be absolutely clear that the suspension of the whip related solely to an administrative enquiry made on behalf of another councillor regarding the procedural process for becoming an Independent. I am confident that there will be no plausible findings of misconduct against me.
“I am deeply disappointed that damaging accusations and suggestions of wrongdoing have circulated regarding my conduct. I categorically refute any implication of misconduct. I have acted within my elected role and in accordance with my responsibilities to my constituents at all times.
“It is also deeply concerning to me that, while serious complaints have reportedly been raised within the Party structure, I have not seen equivalent transparency or resolution. The disparity in how matters appear to be handled has left me questioning the fairness of the internal culture.
“Based on my lived experience within this environment, I have serious concerns about what I perceive to be misogynistic undertones in the treatment I have received. That perception has contributed to my decision that remaining within the Party is no longer tenable.
“My focus has always been simple: to serve residents diligently, proactively, and without fear or favour. I was elected to represent my community robustly, and that commitment remains unchanged.
“I will now continue that work independently, guided solely by the best interests of those I serve.”
Reform UK runs both unitary authorities in Northants.
Cllr Shaw and Cllr Blythe’s departure from Reform UK follows the defection of North unitary councillor Jack Goncalvez last month to Restore Britain. His fellow Reform UK colleague Cllr Darren Rance had also left, but came back to Reform UK two days later.
Spooky that it’s two of the few female Cllrs to leave, with one citing a misogynistic culture. Reform is the party that protects (some) women and children isn’t it? This administration is looking more and more like a white older man’s social club
The fact that one of them was rejected by Kings Heath Residents Association for her conduct, (and she lives there) after setting it up would be a good indication of attitudes and ability to work with other people without wanting to be the only person in charge. Sources within Reform say how difficult she was to work with and from personal experience, I fully understand. The other one though seems to have a good conscience.