Reform seek to overturn Warwickshire County Council's climate emergency declaration

The party in charge at Shire Hall has put forward a motion – a statement of intent – to repeal the declaration that was initially made in 2019 and reaffirmed one year ago, shortly after Reform took control through the results of the May 2025 local elections.

The July 2025 decision also saw a cross-party climate emergency working group formed but that is also proposed for the chop once it provides its next scheduled update to the council in December 2026.

Motions are taken forward or rejected in straight ‘for’ or ‘against’ votes of the council and with the political balance as it is – Reform has 17 out of 57 seats, plus two supportive independents – Councillor George Finch’s (Reform UK, Bedworth Central) group will require support from other parties.

The votes required to pass a motion is 29 but that can get lower through councillors not being present and therefore unable to vote or if some choose to abstain – not vote either way.

To pass, it needs more than half of the 'for' or 'against' votes cast.

The Conservatives and Restore Britain will hold the key with nine and four votes, respectively, and either could suggest amendments as a condition of support.

The motion asks all councillors to get behind certain beliefs. They include the “duty” to review commitments after Reform's council plan dropped elements of climate work that are not legally required, the “more pressing duty to minimise the financial burdens placed upon Warwickshire families, motorists, farmers and businesses” as opposed to work on net zero or climate targets, and that the council should focus on things it can influence, including flooding, conservation of the countryside and energy resilience.

It does hold on to the belief that “environmental measures should be pursued where they are legally required, or where they produce clear, measurable and affordable benefits” but as well as seeking to drop the climate emergency declaration and the cross-party working group, there is another resolution to end work to try to make any new county council buildings carbon neutral, another aim that was passed in a motion in July 2025.

Reform also proposes to form a new cross-party group, featuring one member of every political group with what is described as an "independent" chair, to focus on the environment and flood resilience.

As well as reviewing climate-related commitments, targets and programmes, it will influence a replacement Environment, Flood Resilience and Energy Plan.

The council officially has four independent councillors but only one started life at Shire Hall with that status.

Councillor Judy Falp (Whitnash) represents Whitnash Residents' Association and has no formal ties to major political parties.

Councillor Luke Shingler (Galley Common) stood on a Reform platform in the May 2025 elections before realising his job precluded him from a formal allegiance to a political party but stated his intention to support Reform once elected, something he has generally done.

Councillor Ed Harris (Baddesley & Dordon) resigned the Reform whip amid a storm over rental properties in Tamworth but has consistently voted with the party since.

Councillor Sam Jones (Warwick North) remains suspended by the Green Party having previously been one of its most prominent activists on the council.