AN opposition councillor whose party is dwarfed by the recent Reform landslide in Thurrock has highlighted concerns over a lack of consultation and communication with political rivals.

It's now six weeks since Reform UK delivered a landslide victory in Thurrock, claiming 45 of 49 seats in the borough-wide election, leaving the Conservative and Labour groups with just two members each.

Within days of the election two Reform councillors quit, sparking by-elections next month, but the huge majority effectively means the Reform can do what it likes without challenge or with little or no debate.

But Conservative Cllr Qaisar Abbas believes the council still has obligations within its constitution to confer and discuss matters of importance with all members and says he fears challenge is being swept aside.

And he believes the council is also breaching the rules by using its official communications team for political propaganda.

That concern follows a release from the council, airing leader Cllr Richard Bingley's views on local government reorganisation (LGR) – stating he and his group want it stopped, though supporting a merger with Basildon remains a written policy of the council, which has not been officially changed at a public meeting.

Nub News recently reported on Cllr Bingley's comments, which would normally be distributed via a party spokesperson, rather than the council's comms team.

Cllr Abbas said: "I share concern about what appears to be a rapid about turn on this issue without any discussion with other members.

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"While it wouldn't make much difference due to Reform's overwhelming numbers, it seems they are happy to make decisions without even the pretence of doing it democratically.

"I have my own concerns on this merger, but it seems that Reform is more determined than Labour to make major decisions without opposition members being included. I do believe the LGR U-turn is a decision that would be classed as a 'major decision' under the constitution as it affects all wards and therefore should be presented to full Council or cabinet.

"I am not sure if the statement issued via the press team is any more political than those issued by the previous Labour administration. However, it is decision that appears to have been made by the Leader himself and in line with Reform's views on LGR."

Reform and Labour have not commented on Cllr Bingley's statement, though in response to a question from Nub news about protocol, the council said: "This was not a party political statement. It expressed the views of Cllr Bingley, speaking in his role as leader of the council.

"The statement reflects his priorities as set out upon his election as Leader of the Council, including at annual council.

"The council communications team shared the statement on behalf of the council with members, residents and media, as it would for any other non-political issue, in the interests of openness and transparency."

Yesterday (Thusrsday, 18 June) Thurrock Nub News reported on the latest revelations about LGR in Essex - with Essex's Reform-led Council due to make a decision today whether to challenge it with a judicial review.