Kirklees Reform UK Councillor Susan Maxfield has resign her whip

10:57, 03 Jul 2026Updated 12:34, 03 Jul 2026

Councillor Susan Maxfield has left Reform UK(Image: Kirklees Council/Lyra Auld )

Another Kirklees Reform UK councillor has left the group and will stand as an Independent.

Reform Group Leader Sarah Wood’s ward colleague, Susan Maxfield, has defected to stand as an Independent candidate. The councillor for Liversedge and Gomersal was newly elected to her position in the all-out elections in May, receiving over 2,000 votes. She was voted in 58 days ago on May 8.

A short statement from Councillor Wood explained that Reform UK was elected by residents to “provide strong, effective leadership for Kirklees” and that the group would “remain committed” to “working constructively” with all councillors.

Cllr Wood’s statement, published today (July 3), read: “I can confirm that Cllr Susan Maxfield has resigned the Reform UK whip and will now sit as an Independent councillor on Kirklees Council.

“Reform UK was elected by residents to provide strong, effective leadership for Kirklees. Our priority remains unchanged, and the Group remains focused on delivering better services, restoring sound financial management and standing up for the communities we represent.

“We remain committed to working constructively with councillors from across the chamber wherever it is in the best interests of the people of Kirklees.”

Cllr Maxfield’s exit has come just a week after Reform UK councillor for Almondbury, Craig Wiles, stepped down from his post due to “health” issues.

Cllr Susan Maxfield has been contacted for further comment.

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