Council tax payers in Worcestershire have every right to be bewildered. And to condemn all political parties. In the last 13 months they have been let down by a succession of capitalist lackeys and crooks.
In May 2025, Reform won 27 council seats, two short of a majority, taking control from the Tories. They did this on a promise of not increasing council tax. However, in February this year, Reform raised council tax by 9% – aided by walkouts from the Liberal Democrats and some Labour councillors.
In April, Reform council leader Jo Monk was removed by a vote of Reform councillors. This month, Labour, Conservative, Lib-Dem, and Green councillors combined to support a Green councillor as leader.
Subsequently, the national Tory party removed the leader of the Conservative group on the council for making an alliance with the Greens. Reform leaflets saying: “Vote Tory, get Greens” have already been circulating.
The Green Party is now leading the council, with the new leader saying: “I’m sure we can make it work”. No, he’s not saying he will fight against the cuts in the budget and reverse the council tax hike – he means he can find a group of councillors who will make the cuts. How right were the Socialist Party and the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) to seek a commitment that Green candidates would fight against council cuts.
One thing is clear – there is no party in Worcestershire Council who will stand up to defend vital services, and fight for more money from central government. No wonder our street Socialist Party stall petitions are doing so well.
Bill Reed, Worcester Socialist Party
