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Lichfield Conservatives Slam Reform UK Over Divisive Rhetoric

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 14:36 GMT by TheSentinel
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

Tory councillors in Lichfield blast Reform UK in local politics

Stoke Sentinel – 23 March 2024

The recent surge of the newly‑founded Reform UK party in the Lichfield area has sparked a sharp response from the local Conservative group. In a statement issued yesterday, the Tory councillors on Lichfield City Council “slammed” the party, accusing it of promoting divisive rhetoric and threatening the stability of the council’s governance.

The political backdrop

Lichfield, a market town in Staffordshire that sits just to the north of the larger city of Stoke‑on‑Trent, has long been a Conservative stronghold in local government. In the 2023 local elections, the Tories retained a comfortable majority of 27 out of 45 seats, although they saw a modest swing towards the Liberal Democrats and an unprecedented entry of candidates from Reform UK – the splinter group that split from UKIP earlier this year.

The new party, which positions itself as a “pragmatic, pro‑British” alternative to the mainstream parties, contested nine seats across the borough. Although none of its candidates were elected, the party’s presence has raised concerns among the Conservatives about a potential “vote‑splitting” effect that could hand seats to Labour in the next election cycle.

Tory condemnation

According to the council statement, Tory councillor Mark Harrington – who has represented Lichfield North for the past eight years – said: “Reform UK’s agenda is based on fear‑mongering and divisive policies that have no place in our council or in this country. We must protect our communities from the reckless rhetoric of a fringe party that is more interested in stoking division than in delivering results.”

The statement also noted that the Conservative group had seen a spike in calls from constituents who were concerned about the new party’s stance on immigration and public services. “Our constituents are looking for steady, pragmatic leadership – not a party that promises change by tearing down the very fabric of our society,” Harrington added.

Broader context

The criticism comes at a time when the national Conservative Party has been trying to distance itself from more hard‑line populist sentiments that have been associated with UKIP and its off‑shoots. After the resignation of former UKIP leader Nigel Farage and the re‑branding of the party as Reform UK, there has been speculation that the Conservatives would absorb some of the former UKIP electorate. However, the Lichfield council’s reaction suggests that this approach is not yet successful on the ground.

In an interview with the Stoke Sentinel, local Liberal Democrat leader Sarah Patel said that while she agreed that “we do not want to see extremist parties gaining a foothold,” she was also wary that the Conservatives’ aggressive stance could alienate voters who feel under‑represented. “We need to focus on policy and delivery rather than just attacking other groups,” Patel noted.

Reform UK’s own spokesperson, Thomas Gray, responded to the council’s statement by saying: “We are a legitimate political party that represents the concerns of ordinary citizens. Our criticism of the Tories is based on policy differences, not personal attacks.”

Implications for future elections

The backlash from the Conservatives may have a lasting effect on the local political landscape. Analysts warn that a continued aggressive stance could energise the Reform UK base, especially among younger voters who feel that their views on Brexit and national identity are ignored by the mainstream parties. On the other hand, the Tories’ clear rejection of Reform UK could consolidate their traditional support base and signal a return to “centre‑right” politics in the borough.

The Lichfield City Council will hold its next election in May 2025, and the current political climate will likely shape campaign strategies. The Conservatives have already started preparing a new manifesto that stresses “economic growth, public safety, and community cohesion.” The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, are emphasising “sustainable development, improved public services, and transparency.”

Reform UK, for its part, is reportedly preparing a local campaign in the next election, promising to “bring a new voice to Lichfield that prioritises the needs of the everyday resident.” Whether that message will resonate remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The recent “slam” by Lichfield Conservatives on Reform UK underscores the growing polarization in local politics. While the Tories aim to position themselves as the responsible, mainstream choice, the emergence of a new party with a populist edge threatens to disrupt the status quo. As the 2025 elections approach, the battle for the hearts and minds of Lichfield’s voters is likely to intensify, with each party trying to strike the right balance between policy credibility and political ambition.

For more on the local political scene, read the full article on the Stoke Sentinel website, which also includes links to previous election results and statements from local councillors.