Reform UK Wearside

PRESS RELEASE A statement has now been quietly published by the far-left website The Canary, admitting that it falsely identified Reform Sunderland councillor David Barker in a highly defamatory article written by Rachel Charlton-Dailey. The article made serious allegations against Councillor Barker, claiming that he was the same individual convicted of offences in 2019. The Canary has now formally acknowledged that these claims were entirely false and has issued an unreserved apology to Councillor Barker, his family, and his friends. This apology represents a complete vindication of Councillor Barker. It also raises serious questions about the standards of journalism and fact-checking employed by those who sought to damage his reputation with inaccurate reporting. To those who have spread falsehoods and misinformation about our councillors, be under no illusion: our representatives will be taking appropriate action. The Canary is the first organisation to be held accountable, but it will not be the last. The people of Sunderland have already delivered their verdict on the politics of smears, misinformation, and establishment mud-slinging. Thousands of voters rejected the old parties and placed their trust in Reform UK to bring honesty, transparency, and accountability back to local politics. While others have sought to build barriers of misinformation, the truth has prevailed. The people of Sunderland deserve better than politically motivated falsehoods, and Reform Sunderland will continue to stand up for truth, justice, and freedom across our city. The Canary's published correction states: “Since then, Barker has reached out to us and provided information categorically showing that he is not the same man who was sentenced in 2019. The Canary would like to unreservedly apologise to Barker, his family, and friends, for the distress and damage that our article caused.” The publication further confirmed: “To confirm: Reform councillor David Barker is not the same David Barker who was convicted in 2019.” FULL ARTICLE: thecanary.co/uk/news/2026/0…

The flag of England will now fly outside Sunderland City Hall 365 days a year. St George's flag is our national flag. It represents our country, our history, and the people Sunderland City Council serves. Cllr Ciera Hudspith, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, said: “Any flag flown outside a governing body should represent our nation and our country as a whole, not a sectional interest. Time and time again on the doorstep, residents told us they were confused as to why England’s flag was not flying outside City Hall all year round. Today, it is an honour and a privilege to raise the flag of St George at the heart of our great city.” The council’s flagpoles will be reserved for national and civic flags that represent our country, heritage and wider community as a whole. For that reason, the Pride flag will never be flown outside City Hall.

WHERE’S BRIDGET? 🔎 Houghton? Hetton? Silksworth? Pennywell? Residents across the constituency are asking the same question, where is Bridget Phillipson when local people need answers? In recent days, the Education Secretary has been highly critical of Sunderland’s newly elected Reform-led council but seems to fall short when it comes to critical thinking about her own record locally. Quick to comment from Westminster, slow to show up in the communities she represents. If Bridget wants to lecture Sunderland, she might start by finding it on the map.

📢 PRESS RELEASE FROM THE REFORM ADMINISTRATION OF SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL. ⤵️ Please read the press release below regarding the reintroduction of Deputy Cabinet Portfolio Holders.

It is honestly such an honour to have been appointed to Cabinet on Sunderland City Council. I will be overseeing the Culture, Tourism & Heritage portfolio, and I cannot wait to get started. It will be a privilege to serve under the leadership of @CllrChrisEynon and @CllrDanCowie. Sunderland voted for change, and we are here to deliver it 🇬🇧 sunderland.gov.uk/article/40127/….

The days of cloak and dagger and dodgy decisions are up. It's time for transparency in Sunderland. We at Reform aren't afraid of scrutiny, we welcome it. My maiden speech in the council chambers last night, albeit a short one!

🎥WATCH AS: Cllr Dan Cowie sets out Reform’s new approach to scrutiny in Sunderland. After years of Labour marking their own homework, Reform is giving the Liberal Democrats a greater role in scrutiny — something never seen under Labour. The days of no real scrutiny are over.

Delighted to be joined by @Pdonaghyreform and Cllr Shaun Conley on our visit to Redhouse Boxing Club tonight to show our support for this wonderful charity. We look forward to working with them from now on and helping their brilliant work.

One week ago, the people of Sunderland voted for change — and this week, that change began. We’ve spent our first week getting straight to work: listening to residents, setting priorities and beginning the task of restoring trust in local government. More will follow after Wednesday’s Annual General Meeting, where we will officially assume leadership of Sunderland City Council.

@CllrChrisEynon , Leader of the Reform UK Group on Sunderland City Council joined by Deputy Leader Cllr Dan Cowie were proud to attend the National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Day event at the Stadium of Light today. They met many brilliant organisations and volunteers who do outstanding work supporting our armed forces, veterans and emergency service communities across Wearside. With more than 11,000 veterans living across Sunderland, supporting those who have served our country must remain a priority. Reform UK Wearside is committed to putting veterans first, ensuring they receive the respect, recognition and support they deserve from the council and wider community.

@EliRockape The Mayor will be announced very soon

@ReformUkWear Who will be our new Mayor ? That other one has to go

🚨➡️ ANNOUNCEMENT Last night Cllr Dan Cowie was elected Deputy Leader of the Reform UK Group on Sunderland City Council. Representing Grangetown, Cllr Cowie has played a key role in unseating Labour council leader Michael Mordey. He also serves as Branch Chairman for Houghton & Sunderland South within Reform UK Wearside. As Deputy Leader, Cllr Cowie will work alongside Group Leader Cllr Chris Eynon to help deliver Reform UK’s agenda for Sunderland following the party’s landmark local election result. Following his appointment, Cllr Cowie said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be elected as Deputy Group leader of the Reform group. There is a big task ahead and I am ready to support Chris in building a winning team that will turn this city around - undoing the damage done by Labour. It’s time to turn this city into a success story and one that residents are proud of. “

🚨➡️ ANNOUNCEMENT We are pleased to announce that, following the Group’s AGM, @CllrChrisEynon has been elected Leader of the Reform UK Group on Sunderland City Council. Following his election, Cllr Eynon said: “It is a tremendous honour to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the Reform UK Group following these historic local elections. The people of Wearside voted for change, and we are determined to deliver it. I look forward to leading our team as we work tirelessly on behalf of residents across Sunderland and begin a new chapter for our city.”

We did it..

Why Reform UK believe you should vote for them in the Sunderland City Council elections on May 7 trib.al/BwqhMe6

Sharon Hodgson backed removing protections for Northern Ireland veterans. They risked everything. Now they’re on their own. Wrong. Protect our veterans. Send Labour a message. Vote Reform UK on Thursday.

Lewis Atkinson voted to expose our veterans to prosecution. Years later and still under threat from Labour. Unacceptable. Stand with our veterans. Vote Reform UK on Thursday.