REFORM UK believes Warrington could follow in the footsteps of St Helens by taking control of the borough council and introducing changes to the way local services are delivered.
The claim was made during a meeting of the Reform UK branch in Warrington, which welcomed Cllr George Woodward, Leader of St Helens Council, and Nick Goulding, Cheshire Reform Co-ordinator.
Cllr Woodward outlined how Reform UK is beginning to make its mark in St Helens following the party’s success in taking control of the council in May 2026, ending years of Labour administration.
He told members that Warrington Reform UK was in an even stronger position than St Helens had been before its election victory, expressing confidence that the party could achieve similar success locally.
Despite the significant financial pressures facing local authorities, particularly the rising cost of adult social care, Cllr Woodward said Reform was looking at ways to improve efficiency and deliver visible improvements for residents.
He highlighted a ward-by-ward deep-cleaning programme already under way in St Helens, aimed at improving the appearance of neighbourhoods, alongside measures being introduced to restrict the growth of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Cllr Woodward said: “All councils are under financial pressure with the huge cost of Social Care, but we are finding ways to save money and make things run more efficiently.”
Nick Goulding also highlighted Reform UK’s approach to council finances, telling the meeting: “It is a fact that Reform Councils cost you less.”
He also expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the Cheshire Mayoral election in May 2027.
Mr Goulding pointed to the first and second preference voting system as an opportunity for Reform to attract support from a wider section of the electorate.
The meeting comes as Warrington Borough Council continues to face significant financial challenges, with rising service costs and savings requirements placing considerable pressure on its ability to balance its budget.
Warrington is currently governed by Labour, with opposition groups continuing to scrutinise the administration’s handling of council finances, services and local priorities.
There are currently no Reform councillors on the borough council.
