Reform loses control of county council

Reform UK has lost control of Worcestershire County Council after being overthrown by a coalition.

Following a full council meeting on Thursday morning, the Conservatives have teamed up with the Green Party, Liberal Democrats and independents to form a power-sharing alliance.

Green Councillor Matt Jenkins has been made the new council leader, with Reform's minority administration being removed from office after 12 months in power.

Reform had 24 of the 57 seats on the council, with the party running a minority administration after it came to power following last year's local elections.

Monk was suspended and removed from her position as leader last month for "refusing to accept the democratic decision of the Reform UK group".

Her son and fellow Reform councillor Ashley Monk, has also been suspended for reportedly bringing the party into disrepute.

The ex-leader's time in office was marked by controversy, with council tax going up by 9% and the authority needing £59.9m in emergency government help to avoid effective bankruptcy.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the council as "bankrupt", but added: "We didn't make it bankrupt, we inherited it."

The BBC has contacted Reform for comment.