Lib Dems warn council changes could be scuppered

Next month's elections will be taking place at a "defining time" for local councils, according to the leader of Norfolk's Liberal Democrat group.

Brian Watkins said he was concerned that plans for changes to local government - which will see all the main authorities in the county scrapped – could be "scuppered" by Reform UK.

Watkins said the proposals would benefit Norfolk by bringing millions of pounds in extra funding.

But Reform leader Nigel Farage has been highly sceptical of local government reorganisation and said he would fight proposed changes.

With 10 members, the Lib Dems are the second largest party on Norfolk County Council, which is run by the Conservatives who have 51.

Labour, the Greens and Reform also hold seats.

Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk as part of a series of interviews with local party leaders ahead of next month's local elections, Watkins said voting would be taking place at "a defining time, an important time for local government".

Those elected will oversee the transition from a county council and district councils running Norfolk, to three unitary authorities.

The government has said that would save money and improve local services.

Meanwhile, a devolution plan will also see one mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk, whose office would receive £37.4m a year to invest in regional growth.

But like the Lib Dems' national deputy leader, Daisy Cooper, Watkins said he was concerned about the potential success of Reform and has warned the plan could be "scuppered".

Farage has said there are "real questions" over the proposals for Norfolk and last month he said he would "fight" similar proposals in Essex.

While the Lib Dems are not expecting to take control of the council, Watkins said they hoped to gain seats and influence.

"In the event of a hung council or with one party perhaps only having a small majority, of course we would be prepared to work with other parties for the best interests of Norfolk," said Watkins.

He also described his party's local manifesto as "bold and ambitious" with its policies of half price bus fares for under-25s, community hubs in major towns and using artificial intelligence to speed up pothole repairs.

"It's really very much about fixing Norfolk's foundations," he insisted.

"It's focusing on investing in and protecting important key services like adult social care, children's services, public transport."

A full list of the candidates in the Norfolk County Council election can be found here.

BBC Radio Norfolk has been speaking to the other council group leaders over the last week.

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