Reform UK selects Mick Barton, councillor for Mansfield East, as new group leader on Nottinghamshire County Council

Reform UK have elected their new leadership on Nottinghamshire County Council.

Mick Barton, representative for Mansfield East, has been elected by his fellow Reform councillors as the new group leader.

He will be joined by Dr John Doddy, representative for Stapleford and Broxtowe Central, as deputy group leader.

As Reform are the majority party at County Hall, with 39 of 66 seats, Mr Barton is expected to become the new leader of Nottinghamshire County Council later this month.

A confirmation of leadership and cabinet positions will be confirmed at the first meeting of full council following the local elections, due to take place on May 22.

Mr Barton said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to have been elected leader of the Reform UK group on Nottinghamshire County Council.

“What we have achieved here is incredible. From a standing start we now have full control of the council.

“The people of Nottinghamshire have given us a clear mandate for serious change and we fully intend to deliver that.”

One of the new leadership’s first role will be to weather the storm created by the resignation of their representative for Newark West, less than a week after the local elections.

A by-election will be triggered as a result, giving other political parties an opportunity to boost their numbers at County Hall.

No date has yet been given for a by-election.