Reform UK councillor resigns from county council

A Reform UK councillor has announced she has quit her seat on Leicestershire County Council.

Helen Butler, who was division councillor for Shepshed, said it had been an incredible honour to represent the town but wanted to spend more time with her family.

Butler was elected in May 2025, when Reform took control of the county council as a minority administration.

She was appointed as cabinet member for finances and resources but stepped down from that post in October citing family commitments.

Her resignation means Reform holds 23 of the 55 seats on the authority.

The Conservatives have 15 seats, the Liberal Democrat’s have 11 and Labour has two councillors.

There is one Green Party councillor, one Restore Britain member and an independent.

In a post on Facebook, on Monday, Butler said: "This hasn't been an easy decision.

"It has been an incredible privilege to represent Shepshed, and I'm genuinely proud of what I have achieved. I've worked incredibly hard for our community and I'm grateful to everyone who has trusted me to raise issues and make a difference."

She added: "I'm proud that I challenged where things weren't working and pushed hard for improvements. I leave knowing that I genuinely gave the role everything I had.

"But now it's time for a new chapter.

"My family is the biggest reason for my decision. I want to spend my evenings with my children whilst they are still little, rather than being in meetings. They are only young once, and I want to make the most of this precious time."

Butler's resignation will trigger a by-election to select a new councillor for Shepshed.

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