The Reform UK group on Kirklees Council has lost a second councillor in the space of a week – and there’s speculation more resignations could follow.

Last week Clr Craig Wiles quit the council on medical grounds sparking a by-election in Almondbury on August 13.

And yesterday Liversedge & Gomersal councillor Susan Maxfield resigned from the Reform group but remains on the council as an Independent.

That follows the decision of Dalton councillor Christine Smith to step down as Reform group deputy leader.

After the all-out elections on May 7, Reform was the biggest party with 29 seats – six short of an overall majority – but those numbers are now down to 27.

Kirklees Council is divided and has twice failed to elect a leader. Reform UK leader Clr Sarah Wood couldn’t command a majority and neither could Green group leader Clr Andrew Cooper, who heads a coalition including the Liberal Democrats and assorted Independents.

In a statement Clr Wood said: “I can confirm that Clr Susan Maxfield has resigned the Reform UK whip and will now sit as an Independent councillor on Kirklees Council.

“Reform UK was elected by residents to provide strong, effective leadership for Kirklees. Our priority remains unchanged, and the group remains focused on delivering better services, restoring sound financial management and standing up for the communities we represent.

“We remain committed to working constructively with councillors from across the chamber wherever it is in the best interests of the people of Kirklees.”

Clr Wood declined to make further comment.

Huddersfield Hub spoke to Clr Maxfield who said: “I am unable to talk to you at the moment. Thank you and goodbye.” We texted Clr Maxfield to invite her to speak at a more convenient time but she did not reply.

Clr Maxfield came third in the all-out poll meaning she will only serve 12 months and must seek re-election in May 2027.

Clr Cooper told Huddersfield Hub: “With two Reform councillors gone in the space of a week we have to ask ourselves how cohesive a party they are to run Kirklees Council.

“I think it’s important that we work across party to get the leadership of the council sorted out.

“Reform have difficulty within their own party and need to get their own house in order before starting to take on leadership of the council.”

Huddersfield Hub understands that the cost to council taxpayers of a single by-election in Kirklees is between £25,000 and £35,000.

Clr Cooper stopped short of calling on Clr Maxfield to resign her seat and said: “We don’t yet know the circumstances and I don’t know whether she has fallen out with Reform or what has happened.

“However, the fact she’s in the same Liversedge & Gomersal ward as her leader Sarah Wood must be another blow.”

Clr Cooper said he believed there could be more resignations to come from Reform.

“A lot of the people who stood for Reform possibly didn’t expect to get elected and now find themselves in a position with responsibilities and duties they have not prepared for,” he said.

“There’s now a danger that the by-election in Almondbury is the first of many. I do wonder if this is the tip of the iceberg.”

Councillors will try for a third time to elect a new leader at a full council meeting on Wednesday July 15 (5.30pm) at Huddersfield Town Hall.

The Almondbury by-election is on Thursday August 13.

Main image (top): Clr Susan Maxfield (right) with Reform UK leader Clr Sarah Wood in a photograph published on the Reform Kirklees page on Facebook