Derbyshire's Reform education leader resigns for 'personal reasons'

The Reform councillor in charge of special education needs provision and education in Derbyshire has resigned just months into the job.

Councillor Jack Bradley’s resignation as a councillor within Reform-led Derbyshire County Council triggers a by-election at a later date.

He was appointed to the cabinet position in May following Reform’s victory in the local elections.

A statement from the county council says Mr Bradley’s departure is due to “personal reasons” but no further information has been provided. Councillor Bradley also served as a Long Eaton councillor.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “Jack Bradley has resigned his position as a councillor today for personal reasons. As well as being the councillor for the Long Eaton North Division, he also held the position of cabinet member for SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) and education.

“This means there is a vacancy on the county council for the Long Eaton North Division and a notice of vacancy will be published shortly. A by-election will be held in due course.’’

A Reform UK spokesperson added: “We understand that Mr Bradley has resigned from the council for personal reasons. We will not be making any further comment.”

Improving SEND provision has become one of Derbyshire County Council’s biggest priorities in recent times.

A scathing Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) report in 2024 identified “widespread and systemic failings” in Derbyshire’s SEND provision requiring immediate attention. Issues included inadequate communication and families enduring delays of several years beyond acceptable timeframes for education plans.

It has been a week of changes at the county council after it was announced that Councillor Paul Maginnis switched to the Reform group from the Conservatives.

He said: “I can no longer look at myself in the mirror and be a member of the Conservative Party. Reform are a serious party who believe in just that, Reform. Reform is the party of the future.”