28/05/2026
Well there you have it 'independents' who have formed their own group... not so independent now...
Announcing they will support and work with a bunch of right-wing fascists who regularly demonise and attack the diverse communities that they represent.
If you voted 'independent' did you vote for working with Reform?
Quite frankly embarrasing from a number of councillors who got their start with Labour, who members and activists supported their campaigns to be Labour councillors - now saying they are ok working hand in hand with Reform.
Despicable.
The leader of the Kirklees Independents has said they are "more than willing" to work with Reform UK - but only if they "lose the vote".
In a scathing post to Facebook Saturday, May 23 The Kirklees Independents Group said it would "not support a Reform UK-led administration" and that the future of Kirklees must be built on "genuine change and fair governance." In the post, Group Leader Habiban Zaman, for Batley East, said the Independents were "entering discussions" with a "strong and united position".
The post read: “Our message is clear, we will not support Reform. The people of Kirklees voted for change, and our responsibility is to deliver that change in a way that genuinely improves people’s lives.
"We are here to stand up for our communities for cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, proper investment and real accountability at the council. We are ready to work constructively with others who share that commitment, but we will not compromise on what our residents expect and deserve.”
Now, Coun Zaman has clarified that this did not mean the group were "unwilling" to work with Reform in the future. She said: "We don't want to support Reform in the administration, but if we lose the vote, we lose the vote. It needs to be absolutely clear that it’s not about personalities or parties, but change and accountability need to be our focus."
