Reform UK claimed victory in the Lancashire County Council elections last week in impressive fashion and collected a huge majority in a historic day for the party.
Nigel Farage’s outfit dealt a crushing blow to the Conservatives, who previously held a small majority, picking up 53 seats and control of the authority.
But who are the new faces who will be taking their places at County Hall and what experience do they have?
Following the results, political opponents said they had “genuine fear and worry” over the future of the council, as many have zero experience of working in local government.
Council finances and an understanding of special education needs or disabilities provision were highlighted as two key concerns.
While some of Reform Councillors are experienced local politicians – albeit for a different party – many others are largely unknown.
So, we have compiled a list of all 19 successful Reform candidates in East Lancashire, outlining their background and experience to give some insight into what kind of councillor they could be.
Burnley Central West – Liam Thomson
Like many of his colleagues, he has presented a hard line on immigration on his social media channels and also focused on potential cuts to council spending, including on senior staff members, to try and win votes.
However, he does not hold much of a political resume and works as a mechanical fitter at Safran – an aviation and aerospace manufacturer with a site in Burnley.
Burnley Rural – Mark Poulton
A key topic for discussion on Cllr Poulton’s social media channels is Britain’s green energy expenditure, and how an incoming Reform council will look to address it.
Burnley South West – Eddie Kutavicius
Currently, he works as a production coordinator for CFE Lighting, which is based in Nelson and provides high-quality and eco-friendly luminaries.
Padiham and Burnley West – Thomas Pickup
Having already worked for Lancashire County Council in procurement of construction and property, he comes with some understanding of how local government functions.
His politics lie largely with improving services throughout Lancashire, which he says are at “breaking point”.
Accrington North – Joel Tetlow
He said during his campaign trail that he was not a career politician, but just a “local lad” who was fed up with how things were being run.
His politics lie largely around preventing illegal immigration and tackling diversity and inclusion schemes.
As a renewable energy consultant, it will be interesting to see how his business interests marry up with his party’s stance on scrapping net zero.
Accrington South – Ashley Jones
He spent his campaign focusing on the transgender debate and American politics.
Working in Archaeology for much of his career, he has also recently worked towards a master's at UCLan in the field and works for Oxford Archaeology Limited – which promotes heritage in an environmentally sustainable, positive and inclusive working environment.
Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton–le–Moors – Jordan Fox
Since then, he has worked as a youth officer for the Tories before making the switch to Reform as a campaign manager for Hyndburn in February.
His campaign strategy included working on the Baxenden by-election in 2024 and becoming deputy chair of Hyndburn Reform earlier this year.
Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton–le–Moors – Lance Parkinson
There is very little information about Lance Parkinson online, besides his links to his well-known father, so it is hard to judge what he stands for.
Miles Parkinson was elected to Hyndburn Council as a Labour councillor, becoming the borough leader, before quitting the party and sitting as an independent.
He refused to step down from the leadership after quitting the party, but was turfed out by voters at the ballot box.
Earlier this year it was revealed he had found a new political home in Reform UK.
Oswaldtwistle – Gaynor Hargreaves
Despite coming from just over the border, she campaigned on issues such as immigration and local concerns surrounding the planning of a new cemetery.
In addition to her political concepts, she also runs a series of arcades and pinball clubs across the North West.
Pendle Central – Marion Atkinson
In addition to her success at the county level, she also took Vivary Bridge in the borough elections.
Pendle Rural – Nathan McCollum
Outlining food banks, local poverty and anti-social behaviour as his three main talking points, Nathan is looking to bring more young people into the conversation about how to shape their futures.
At just 26, Nathan is one of the least experienced candidates and has previously worked in the social care sector.
Clitheroe – Warren Goldsworthy
He campaigned on a mainly local initiative and wanted to ensure that Clitheroe was no longer ignored by County Hall.
Additionally, he comes equipped with skills in management – having been deputy store manager at Asda for the last 20 years.
Longridge and Bowland – Ian Duxbury
He campaigned on offering something different and giving people in the area a “politician they can believe in”.
Describing himself as a “dedicated family man”, Duxbury works in learning and development and is said to care deeply about rural and farming communities.
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Ribble Valley North East – Ged Mirfin
Having previously been a Ribble Valley borough councillor between 2011 and 2023, Ged hit out at a small number of other politicians and the way they treated him during his time there.
He cited the Tories' failure on the economy, under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, and Labour’s decisions on inheritance tax, and local council shake-ups as a reason for the move.
Ribble Valley South West – Stephen Atkinson
Having led Ribble Valley Council, he resigned from the Conservative Party in March, announcing it at a Reform UK press conference.
He is a well-known critic of potential Lancashire council reforms, which could see district boroughs scrapped or merged to create new large authorities.
If he does get the leadership, it will be interesting to see how he handles the move from a district council to county authority, with far wider-ranging responsibilities,
Mid Rossendale – Clive Balchin
His campaign ran on community-centred politics and the promise to “get things done”.
Having previously been chair of Rossendale and Darwen Conservative group, he had previously worked as a financial advisor with James Trickett and Son, based in Rawtenstall.
Rossendale East – Mackenzie Ritson
His campaign was centred around tackling a growing disconnect between politicians and the public and intends on using his experience as chair of Rossendale FC to address rising costs crippling grassroots sports.
However, he too lacks experience in the political field and has previously worked as a sales executive for DACE Motor Group and The Trade Centre Group.
Rossendale South – Joanne Ash
Opposition to net zero and clean energy initiatives, such as Scout Moor, is a core belief of the Reform party, and her campaign against the plans to provide clean, renewable energy to thousands of homes across Lancashire and Greater Manchester won the praise of Skegness MP and party chair Richard Tice.
She previously worked as a police sergeant and was involved in the running of The Greater Manchester Police Sports and Social Club.
Whitworth and Bacup – Daniel Matchett
Qualified as a mental health nurse, having worked in the NHS for the last 18 years, Daniel campaigned on “pro-common sense values and British sovereignty”.
After a video he posted announcing his intention to enter parliament, Daniel was reprimanded by his employer and raised nearly £4,000 to take them to an employment tribunal – with the tribunal process ongoing.
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