Political View: A positive vision for Peterborough

Reform UK’s performance across Peterborough was significant and unmistakable – a clear signal that residents want change and expect it to be delivered.

Thank you to everyone who voted. Turnout was strong, reflecting a growing public interest in how our city is run. To the 12,970 residents – 27.1% of voters – who supported Reform UK: you voted for a Positive Vision for Peterborough. That is exactly what we intend to deliver.

Our team brings together real experience and practical action.

Dr Andrew O’Neil offers more than 30 years in the NHS and community pharmacy, alongside academic work as a University Lecturer and Research Fellow at UCL, with involvement in projects linked to Oxford

University.

John Bolton is well known locally for his hands-on work tackling litter and fly-tipping, supported by over 40 years of professional service as a British Rail train driver.

Layton Mills brings 30 years of frontline policing experience, with deep expertise in community safety and crime prevention.

Philip Whitworth adds distinguished service from 13 years in the Royal Navy, reflecting discipline, leadership and commitment.

As for myself, I am committed to serving Stanground South. I was honoured to receive an MBE from Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of my service to local government and the community.

Following the election, no party secured overall control. We therefore carefully examined whether working with other groups would serve the best interests of residents. However, that due diligence raised serious concerns.

We identified instability, frequent party switching, and a lack of consistent political direction among some councillors. There have also been widely reported concerns surrounding behaviour, allegations of antisemitism and other ongoing investigations. While such matters are rightly for the authorities to determine, they raise valid questions about standards, judgement and public confidence.

Taken together, we concluded that entering into formal arrangements under such circumstances would not be in the best interests of Peterborough residents. Reform UK will not trade principles for positions. Instead, we will act independently supporting what is right, challenging what is wrong, and holding the council to account.

During the election, we highlighted serious financial concerns that cannot be ignored. Residents deserve transparency about how their money is spent. Questions remain around senior executive pay levels, substantial and growing debt costs – running into hundreds of thousands of pounds in weekly interest – and areas of spending that require far greater scrutiny.

At our very first council meeting, Reform UK councillors stood alone in opposing changes to contract rules that would allow cost increases of up to £500,000 per contract without direct political oversight. We believe that reduces accountability at precisely the time when tighter control is needed.

This is why you elected us: to ask the difficult questions, to challengewaste, and to insist on proper scrutiny.

The public has spoken clearly. Change is no longer a promise—it is now a responsibility—and we will deliver it