Warwickshire Reform UK councillor to serve as an Independent
Shingler was elected to serve as Warwickshire County Councillor for Galley Common with 1,289 votes.In a statement on Facebook on 28 April, Shingler said he "cannot run under a political organisation, party or movement due to my employment" but it was too late to change ballot papers that linked him to Reform."If elected, I cannot stand as a Reform councillor, I will have to be an Independent councillor representing you until I leave my employment," the statement said. Shingler wrote that his message was delivered with "a heavy heart" and after "a very long few days trying to put out a fire that happened due to my mistake".He wrote: "My beliefs are still of Reform, and I will remain a Reform UK member."Shingler has not confirmed his line of work, and a party spokesperson said the councillor asked them not to disclose it since it would endanger his employment.A Reform UK spokesman added: "Due to his employment, Mr Shingler is not able to represent any party on Warwickshire Council."We are confident that he will sit as a Reform UK councillor in 18 months following the end of his employment."
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