Lib Dem deputy leader says Reform would bring 'chaos' to county council

The deputy leader of the Lib Dems has warned voters of the potential "chaos" Reform UK could bring if the party claims County Hall at May's elections.

Nigel Farage's party are tipped by some observers to take over Norfolk County Council next month, with pollsters predicting they could win as many as 66 of the 84 seats up for grabs.

But Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, issued a message to people considering voting for Reform at a party rally in North Walsham on Friday.

Sir Norman Lamb, North Norfolk MP Steffan Aquarone and Daisy Cooper at a Liberal Democrats rally on Friday (Image: Newsquest/LDRS)

The MP for St Albans, who was born in Bury St Edmunds and went to school in Halesworth and Bungay before being privately educated at Framlingham College, said: "I think what I would say is Reform is clearly riding high in the polls, and I think the reason for that is people are sick to death of the Conservatives and feel the Conservatives failed not only in Westminster but in County Hall as well.

"But what I would say to people is if they look at the Reform-led councils around the country, they are consumed with chaos and broken promises and scandal in many cases."

According to the latest PollCheck forecasts, the Lib Dems - the main opposition to the Conservatives at County Council - are at risk of losing several seats in its North Norfolk heartland.

Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats (Image: Houses of Parliament)

Nigel Farage's Reform UK are predicted to take control of County Hall (Image: Denise Bradley)

They could hold just three wards after May 7 - Holt, Eaton and Costessey.

The Norfolk Lib Dems have pledged to offer cheaper bus travel for younger people, use AI to fix potholes and create community hubs in towns for people to access key services should they be elected to County Hall.

Ms Cooper said she was "encouraged" by the party manifesto, adding the Lib Dems can "restore trust" in politics.

"There's a huge opportunity, but also responsibility, to demonstrate politics can deliver for people and that politics can change lives," the deputy leader continued.

"If they look at the record of Liberal Democrats here in Norfolk, they can see well-run services, well-run district councils and voting for Liberal Democrats could help restore trust, protect local services and to make sure we look after taxpayers' money as well."