Reform UK’s group in Plymouth has confirmed a leadership change after one of the most talked-about results from May’s council elections saw a newcomer unseat a long-standing Labour figure.
From shock win to deputy post
Cllr Chris Sharpe, who represents the Efford and Lipson ward, has taken over as deputy leader of the city’s Reform UK group following the decision of Cllr Carol Ney to step down from the role for what she described as "personal reasons". The party said Cllr Ney will remain a councillor.
Sharpe’s elevation will be watched closely across the city because his election in May was one of the surprise results of the local polls. He won 1,543 votes, unseating Labour’s Neil Hendy, who polled 1,057. The result marked a significant shift in a ward that had been a Labour stronghold.
“I will do my absolute best to support our leader Steve Ricketts and work closely with all of the councillors to make this the best possible group I can.”
In comments released by the group, Sharpe said he felt “deeply honoured” to be given the role and pledged to back the group leader, Cllr Steve Ricketts, as they take forward their agenda on the council.
What this means for council politics
Reform UK’s position in Plymouth has been a major talking point since May. The party won 14 seats at the elections and now boasts 16 members on the council, making it the official opposition. The new deputy will sit alongside the leadership as the group seeks to capitalise on its electoral momentum.
Sharpe is a local business owner, running a scaffolding company, and already holds positions on two council bodies: the natural infrastructure and growth scrutiny panel, and the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry joint committee. Those roles give him a direct line into debates about development, transport links and the city’s infrastructure — issues central to Plymouth residents.
- Ward: Efford and Lipson
- Sharpe’s votes: 1,543
- Neil Hendy’s votes: 1,057
- Reform UK on council: 16 members (14 won in May)
The promotion also highlights the fluid nature of local politics: Carol Ney, who had a complex recent history — originally a Labour councillor, then an Independent before joining Reform UK in April — has relinquished the deputy role but remains on the council. Her brief time in the party and subsequent departure from the leadership post underline ongoing realignments among Plymouth’s elected members.
Local reaction and implications
Cllr Ricketts welcomed Sharpe’s appointment, stressing the importance of the deputy leader’s role in supporting the group and co-ordinating work with other councillors. The incoming deputy’s business background and committee experience may influence how Reform UK frames its scrutiny of executive decisions at City Hall, particularly on growth and transport.
For residents, the changes mean a reshaped opposition that has signalled its intent to be more active in council scrutiny. Issues such as housing development, transport across the Tamar crossing and local infrastructure projects are likely to see heightened attention from a larger and reorganised Reform UK group.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New deputy leader | Cllr Chris Sharpe (Efford and Lipson) |
| May election result (Efford & Lipson) | Sharpe 1,543 — Hendy 1,057 |
| Reform UK councillors | 16 (14 won in May) |
As Plymouth navigates its local priorities through the rest of the municipal term, the reshuffle within Reform UK will be another factor for residents to watch. The group’s expanded presence and a deputy who earned his seat in a high-profile upset mean the political landscape at the council table looks set to remain lively.
