Cllr Samantha Gethen

Today, I’ve made one of the biggest decisions of my political life. After years as a @Conservatives Councillor, I've joined @reformparty_uk. Not a step I take lightly - but one I take for Solihull, for our communities, and for Britain’s future. 🧵My reasons 👇

Honoured to have been elected Leader of the Reform UK Group on Solihull Council and to serve as Leader of the Opposition. Thank you to my colleagues for their support, and to every resident who voted for change at these local elections. We will work hard to hold the administration to account, stand up for local communities, support small businesses and fight for better services across Solihull. Looking forward to working alongside our Deputy Leader, Cllr @alanfeeney, and the whole team. The hard work starts now.

Great News Reform Worcestershire Council to buy College building to become major new SEND sixth-form school worcesternews.co.uk/news/26096025.…

Statement from Cllr Samantha Gethen: I was asked to leave a SEND community roundtable this morning - not for causing disruption, but because the local Conservative MP, @bhatti_saqib, refused to begin the meeting until I left. I attend North Solihull’s SEND support group as a parent of children with SEND. Yes, I am also an elected Reform councillor - but today I attended as a mother wanting to discuss support for children and families. Rather than allow the meeting to become uncomfortable for the organisers or other parents attending, I chose to leave out of respect for them, and for the significant time and effort that had gone into organising the event for local SEND families. Their priorities should always come before any attempt by the local MP to ostracise me because of my political affiliation. It is deeply disappointing that a non-political family event was turned into a political issue. Excluding a SEND parent from a conversation about their child’s future is wrong. SEND families deserve to be heard, regardless of politics.

What a campaign, and what a result. I want to say a huge thank you to every resident across Solihull who put their trust in Reform UK at this year’s local elections. Winning 17 seats is a historic result for Reform in Solihull, and one we are incredibly proud of and hope to grow next year. This campaign was powered by hardworking local candidates, dedicated volunteers, and so many residents who wanted to see real change and a stronger voice for local people. Thank you to everyone who stood in these elections, whatever your party. Democracy is stronger when people step forward to represent their communities. A special thank you as well to @TiceRichard and @RobertJenrick for taking the time to visit Solihull during the campaign. It meant a great deal to our team and supporters. After a much-needed weekend to rest and reflect on the results, the hard work now begins. The people of Solihull voted for action, accountability and change. Now is the time for delivery. Thank you again for all your support. We won’t let you down.

Across the West Midlands (and most of Britain), polls show it’s Reform vs Labour & the Greens. If you vote Conservative, you risk mad left wing councillors running your council.

Every day this week we have been in North Solihull speaking to residents to hear first-hand what’s affecting them locally. Your views matter, and these conversations help shape the work we do every day for our community. Promoted by Michael Gough at Reform UK, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP #timeforreform #reformuk #reformsolihull

This is an absolute gift for @reformparty_uk. Everyone knows what to do next week on May the 7th 🩵 #reformuk

🚪 Reform Solihull were on the doorstep in Shirley this morning. Residents are furious. Solihull Council is £350 MILLION in debt and locals are paying more for less. Enough is enough. Solihull needs Reform. 🇬🇧 #ReformUK #Solihull #Shirley #solihullreform #VoteReform

What a fantastic evening listening to Lee Anderson MP speak! 🙌 This country needs real change and Reform UK are the ones to deliver it. 🇬🇧 @LeeAndersonMP_ @alexinsley #ReformUK #WeNeedReform #solihullreform

Great to catch up with @LeeAndersonMP_ @Gethens great speaker, with some top stories. @reformparty_uk #reformuk

Thank you, the support for Reform UK in the north of Solihull is amazing. 🩵 This time we went out and spoke with the residents of Smiths Wood and Kingshurst. #ReformUK #solihull

Op Advance - In Solihull on Friday local police were out in Solihull town centre & across the borough. Our community deserves safe streets, and it is only through voting for Reform that we can achieve this vision of safety and security. #OpAdvance #ReformUK #ReformSolihull

Disappointed that a dispersal order has been needed in our town centre, but grateful for the swift action from our police to keep our community safe. 🚨 #ReformUK #ReformSolihull