Improve services and guarantee value for money, Reform UK Council warned

Sunderland’s Liberal Democrats confirm Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition on the City Council with a warning that the new administration must deliver value for money and improved local services for residents.

At its annual general meeting this week the city’s Liberal Democrat councillors have confirmed the re-election of its Leader and Deputy Leader, councillors Paul Edgeworth and Heather Fagan respectively. 

Grindon & Thorney Close councillor Paul Edgeworth and Doxford Park councillor Heather Fagan have served as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Lib Dems, the city’s largest opposition group, since 2023. In that time, they have seen off two council leaders and taken seats from both Labour and the Conservatives. 

They are now tasked with holding Sunderland’s new Reform UK-run Council to account.

Commenting, Lib Dem Leader of the Opposition Paul Edgeworth said: 

“The Liberal Democrats in Sunderland are ready to fight for the improvements that people across the city want to see – cleaner streets, safer communities, better green spaces and decent town centres and shopping parades.

“Our group of long-serving councillors - including Sunderland’s longest-serving councillor Stephen O’Brien - have the skills and experience necessary to hold the Council to account and get a fair deal for local people.

“We wish the new Reform administration well because their success will be Sunderland’s success. But they must make sure they focus on what Labour refused to do – improving basic services so people see value for money from their Council Tax through things like decent road repairs, more CCTV and a crackdown on fly-tipping, litter and nuisance motorbikes.

“Local people won’t forgive Reform UK’s Council bosses if they use the platform of running the Council to further their own political project and take instructions from their party HQ – just like Starmer ‘Yes Man’ Michael Mordey did before them – instead of getting on with the day job and really getting things done for local people.”

Lib Dem Deputy Leader and Councillor for Doxford Park, Heather Fagan, said:

“This election told us all loudly and clearly that local people do not want Labour, but Lib Dem wins across Sunderland have shown that where there is a viable alternative, people do not always want Reform either. 

“Labour, the Conservatives and the Green Party are finished in Sunderland. Only the Liberal Democrats can win against Reform and provide a centrist, common-sense alternative for people across Wearside.”