REFORM UK on Calderdale Council, in West Yorkshire, in sweeping changes after winning 34 of the 54 seats, has removed the Vicar of Halifax Minster, Canon Hilary Barber, as the longstanding chair of the council’s Board of Standards.
Canon Barber, who has served in the independent position for 16 years, told the Church Times that he was “clearly disappointed” to be ousted by the new council administration, which took power after the local elections on 7 May.
In the council’s first annual general meeting, Reform UK also abolished three committees that scrutinised Adult Health and Social Care, Children and Young People, and Place — leaving only the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Opposition councillors in Calderdale have said that the new leadership is trying to “avoid scrutiny”. The Labour Party, which forms the main opposition group, told the BBC that the decision would “weaken the mechanisms designed to hold decision-makers accountable and ensure transparency”.
Labour also said that the new council leadership “broke further with convention” by awarding every chair position across council boards and committees to its own councillors.
Labour said in a statement: “Reform have torn up decades of civic convention and tradition in a blatant attempt to consolidate power within Calderdale Council. These conventions exist as a safeguard, to ensure every resident and every community is represented, no matter how they voted.
“As part of sweeping changes, they have unashamedly politicised the role of Mayor — a position that has historically been independent, ceremonial, and above party politics.
“Under the long-established rota and formula system, this should have been Labour’s year to nominate the Mayor. It is therefore especially disappointing that Reform rejected Labour’s nominations for Mayor and Deputy Mayor — councillors who reflect the breadth and diversity of modern Calderdale.
“At a time when public institutions should be working to ensure everyone feels represented in civic life, this decision raises serious questions about Reform’s approach to inclusion and representation.”
In a letter sent to Canon Barber on Thursday and seen by the Church Times, the leaders of the local Labour, Green, Liberal Democrat, and Independent parties wrote: “Your commitment, integrity and thoughtful leadership have been greatly valued throughout your time in the role.
“The work of the Standards Committee is essential in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct and ethical governance across the council, and your independent guidance has made an essential contribution to that purpose.
“In these politically volatile times, the people of Calderdale need reassurance that those now charged with leading the council will do so in a way that is open, honest, and transparent.
“Your experience, balanced judgement and dedication have helped ensure that those of us elected to office have carried out our responsibilities with fairness and professionalism. We are grateful for the time, effort and expertise you have given — and will continue to give — in support of the council and the wider Calderdale community. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your service. Many of us will continue to seek your wise counsel and spiritual guidance.”
Canon Barber said: “I was encouraged to apply when the role of an independent chair was advertised, and I attended a rigorous interview process with a cross-party group of councillors and the chief legal and monitoring officer.
“It has been an essential part of the role not to belong to any political party, and that, as the independent chair, one sits above party politics. I have been able to provide an independent vice in support of all the hard work local elected members do, year in year out, and for little reward or appreciation.
“One of the things I have been proudest of is having elected members from Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrats all worshipping in the Minster as people of faith: we are not party-political.
“I was informed on Friday that I was not invited to the annual council meeting, and I was informed only [on Wednesday] — the day of annual council — that I was not to be reappointed as the independent chair of standards.”
Canon Barber continued: “I’m clearly disappointed that there was no discussion with the leader of the council about the role I have played over the past 16 years. I have received no thanks for service given, or explanation.”
There looked to have been a deliberate choice, he said, to avoid scrutiny by independent members of the council, and to shut down boards “that have provided essential transparency [over] the council’s work” and that strengthened democracy and accountability.
“It’s a sad day for the people of Calderdale, who deserve so much better from their elected members. I wonder what their next political move will be?”
The local Green Party leader, Martin Hey, said: “This is clearly an attempt to consolidate power in the hands of a few, in order to silence dissenting points of view and stand in the way of scrutiny of their decisions.
“Ensuring that our money is spent well, and that the people and places we love are protected, is not a pointless committee: it is taking the time to take care of all that we hold dear. Reform is sending a very clear message that no other opinions are allowed.”
Reform UK has been approached for comment by the Church Times.