Reform UK: Joe Standen will not stand again to lead group on Portsmouth City Council
The leader of the Reform UK group on Portsmouth City Council has announced that he is standing down
Reform UK’s leader in Portsmouth has said he will not stand to head his party again on Portsmouth City Council.
Cllr Joe Standen has released a statement tonight which announces that despite his re-election to the city council last week, he will not be applying to lead his party’s group on the council. The new leader is being chosen tonight but the result has not yet been announced.
His statement said: “After a great deal of thought, I have decided not to put myself forward to continue as leader of the Reform UK Group on Portsmouth City Council.
“Having only originally been elected seven months ago, five of which I have served as Interim Group Leader I believe this is the right time for me to focus my full attention on the residents of Paulsgrove, Port Solent and Wymering, who just last week re-elected me with the biggest majority anywhere in the city. I want to ensure I give those residents the dedication and commitment they deserve.
“I have absolutely loved serving as Interim Leader over the last few months. It has been a huge honour to help lead our growing group during such an important period, some highlights for me where talking to so many residents across the city over the last few months, being so heavily involved in the Portsmouth 100 celebrations and getting the opportunity to show my love for our magnificent city with a speech at the Civic Ceremony and of course guiding the group to getting the most votes and 3 new councillors across the city in last weeks local elections.
“Politically, I am still a young man and only at the very beginning of my elected political career. I have no doubt that when the time is right there will be many more opportunities for me to further my political aspirations both within our local group and Reform UK nationally.
“This evening, the group will choose its new leader and I want to make it absolutely clear that I am 100 per cent behind whoever is elected. I will support them fully and work with them in any way they see fit to continue delivering for the people of Portsmouth.
“I truly believe that Reform UK is the only political party capable of saving this country, the very country I served so proudly as a Royal Marines Commando. I am more committed than ever to the Party, our values and to fighting for the people who feel they have been ignored for far too long. The future for Reform UK in Portsmouth is incredibly bright, and I look forward to continuing to play my part in that journey.”