Reform-led councils are scrapping net-zero targets and cancelling plans for electric vehicles, solar panels and cycle lanes, in an indication of how a Reform government could approach green policies.
Reform is now the largest party in 32 councils across England following its success at last month’s local elections, when many candidates campaigned under a national pledge to “scrap net zero”.
Some newly elected councils, such as Essex and Norfolk, have immediately taken action by reversing targets and investigating spending on climate-related projects. They follow in the footsteps of Reform-led councils elected last year, such as Kent and Durham, which have rolled back investments in electric vehicles and solar panels.
Climate campaigners say these councils’ actions highlight the “dangers” of a Reform government.
However, some other Reform-led councils have kept policies in place, showing an ideological split within the party between anti-climate hardliners and a more pragmatic group, experts say.
