Labour leader calls for better female representation in top spots on West Northamptonshire Council
The Labour group in West Northamptonshire has called on Reform UK to ensure that there is stronger representation for women in its top roles, following the resignation of two female councillors from the party earlier this week.
The council leader said that “voters overwhelmingly rejected the toxic identity politics DEI agenda” and that its appointments have been chosen on the grounds of ‘merit’ in response.
Councillors Kathryn Shaw and Joanne Blythe both announced their decision to step away from the administration and sit as independent members on West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) on Monday (March 2).
Cllr Shaw was formerly the lead member for children, families and education, but left her role at the start of this year. The cabinet position was later replaced by Councillor Michael Stratton.
West Northants Labour group leader, Councillor Sally Keeble, said: “Whatever the reasons for their decision to leave Reform UK, their departure means there are now only seven women out of 39 Reform councillors and only one in the cabinet.
“That isn’t adequate. The council provides a wide range of crucial services, and women should play an equal part in the decision-making structures. Reform must take steps to ensure that women’s voices are properly heard when those decisions are being made.”
Across the ten cabinet members and ten committee chairs in West Northants, there are three women who hold the top positions. These include Councillor Laura Couse (Reform UK) as cabinet member for adult care, public health and regulatory services, Councillor Hayley Adkins (Reform UK) as the chair of the children, education and housing scrutiny committee, and finally Councillor Alison Eastwood (Conservatives), who currently chairs full council.
Just 32 percent of all council seats (25 out of 76) were won by women at the last set of local elections in 2025. Out of the 28 wards in the West which have more than one member, nine elected all-male councillors. Only one ward did the same with women.
Breaking down the figures further by political party, Reform has the lowest representation of women within its group, now with just 18 percent out of its 39-member majority.
The West Northants Labour group is made up of 62 percent women, with five out of its eight members, and both the Conservatives and Lib Dems have over 40 percent female councillors.
In response to the calls, Reform UK leader of West Northamptonshire Council Mark Arnull said: “Residents of West Northamptonshire demand and deserve leaders chosen on the grounds of merit and competence, not on gender, race, religion, or any other box-ticking quota.
“In May, local voters overwhelmingly rejected the toxic identity politics DEI agenda. Reform UK firmly believes that we should appoint the best person for the job without discrimination.”