Reform UK councillor misses deadline

A Reform UK councillor says a 'family emergency' meant she missed the deadline for signing paperwork to join a town council. Olivia Westcott was elected to Kidsgrove Town Council last month in an uncontested election for the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe ward. But as she failed to formally accept the office by Thursday, 21 May – the date of the annual town council meeting – the seat has become vacant in line with election rules.