Reform UK: Cllr Emily Strudwick chosen as group leader - and opposition leader on Portsmouth City Council

The leader of the opposition on Portsmouth City Council has been chosen by Reform UK - and it is Cllr Emily Strudwick.

Earlier this evening Cllr Joe Standen announced he was not running to be leader again, despite winning a large majority when he was re-elected to represent Paulsgrove and WYmering last week.

Tonight the group has chosen Cllr Strudwick, who represents Hilsea. She was elected to the city council in 2023 standing for the Portsmouth Independents Party, before moving to Reform UK in February this year - a move which made Reform the second largest political group on the council.

Cllr Chris Dike has been elected as the group’s deputy leader.

Cllr Strudwick said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been elected leader of the Reform UK group and leader of the opposition on Portsmouth City Council. Portsmouth residents are crying out for a stronger voice that stands up for local people, challenges complacency, and focuses on the issues that matter most to our communities.

“Having served as leader of the Portsmouth Independents and represented residents in Hilsea, I have always believed politics should be rooted in common sense, accountability, and putting Portsmouth first. Reform UK is building real momentum across the city and across the country, and I am proud to lead a growing team of councillors committed to delivering meaningful opposition and fighting for residents every single day.

“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Cllr Joe Standen for his hard work and dedication as Interim Group Leader during an important period of growth for the group. Joe has played a key role in strengthening Reform UK’s presence in Portsmouth, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and all our councillors as we move forward together.

“The recent local elections showed that Reform UK is now firmly established as the main opposition force in Portsmouth, reflecting the growing support for our message across the city. We won the popular vote with 33% of all votes cast in Portsmouth for Reform UK. We will continue to hold the Liberal Democrat administration to account while presenting a clear alternative built on transparency, ambition, and pride in Portsmouth.”

Cllr Strudwick stood for Reform in the Leesland and Town ward of Gosport in last week’s county council elections, but was not elected.