In this week’s Friday Politics column, Reform councillor Ben Griffin discusses the “narrative of division”, Local Government Reorganisation and the recent flag debate…
In my first Friday Politics column, I want to bring a positive perspective and push back on the narrative of division that those on the left of politics are so keen to promote.
On May 7, residents in 12 out of 14 divisions across West Norfolk voted for Reform UK councillors to represent them at Norfolk County Council.
Cllr Ben Griffin, Reform county councillor for Lynn North and Central. Picture: Norfolk County Council
That isn’t division, that is a vast swathe of people, from all walks of life across the borough, united in their demand for real change in local government.
Across Norfolk as a whole, Reform UK won 40 seats out of 84 seats. This is a movement built on a simple shared belief: residents come first, taxpayers matter, and everyday working people deserve a council that works for them.
United in purpose and united in doing what is right for Norfolk.
Ben Griffin after winning the Lynn North and Central seat on Norfolk County Council in May
That unity is already being reflected in decisions at county level.
One of the biggest issues facing Norfolk right now is Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the Government’s plan to replace our existing councils with three new unitary authorities.
Residents were never properly consulted on this and they never voted for it.
The cost is estimated at nearly £100 million, with central government contributing just £2.7 million, leaving taxpayers to cover the rest.
Our deputy leader, Cllr Robin Hunter-Clarke, is leading the challenge writing to the Secretary of State and beginning the legal processes necessary to stop LGR in its tracks.
On flags, we have taken a clear and fair position: only national and local flags will fly above our council buildings.
This is about ensuring civic buildings represent everyone equally, not particular interest groups or ideological causes. And I want to be equally clear on something else: our leader, Cllr David Bick, has stated unequivocally that Reform’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and every Reform county councillor stands behind that.
Our first motion in the chamber focused on value for money, specifically, a review of net zero spending at the council.
This isn’t about dismissing environmental goals – it’s about making sure every pound spent delivers genuine benefit to residents and doesn’t compromise the council’s ability to provide core services.
This sits alongside a motion from borough councillor Austen Moore at the next full borough council meeting, which argues that the current modelling used to set net zero targets is far too severe and needs revisiting.
Closer to home, I have been getting stuck into the concerns of residents across my division — parking on Nelson Street, a visit to the college to discuss young people not in education or employment, planning queries, and issues raised by residents of Littleport Terrace.
Listening to residents and doing everything I can to help is what this role is about, and I intend to give it everything I have.
Lynn has a brilliant summer ahead, beginning this weekend with Festival Too. Events like this matter – they bring people together, they create memories, and they remind us of everything this town has to offer, which is plenty. I’d encourage everyone to get along and enjoy it.
And on that note, let’s all get behind the boys in the USA and bring football home. Preferably watched in one of Lynn’s fine pubs.