Reform UK: Portsmouth council opposition leader Emily Strudwick outlines her priorities

Council mergers, rogue traders and “firm but constructive” scrutiny of the Liberal Democrats are the focus of the new Portsmouth opposition leader.

Yesterday it was announced that councillor Emily Strudwick will take over from Cllr Joe Standen as leader of the opposition at Portsmouth City Council.

The Hilsea ward councillor was elected in 2023 as a Portsmouth Independent Party member before defecting to Reform UK in February.

Reform UK represents the second largest group on the council with 12 members, while the Liberal Democrats form the majority administration with 22.

Cllr Strudwick said her “immediate priority” will be ensuring the city secures the “best possible deal” through local government reorganisation (LGR).

LGR aims to replace the two-tier system, where county and district councils share services, with large unitary authorities providing all services to populations of around 500,000 people.

The Liberal Democrats have threatened the government with a judicial review over the plans, which Strudwick said she wants to ensure is “genuinely in the interests of residents and represents value for taxpayers’ money”.

Cllr Strudwick said her group would also focus on issues raised by residents, including concerns around illicit vape shops and “rogue barbers” operating in the city.

She said she wanted the council to work more closely with Trading Standards and licensing officers to ensure businesses were operating “responsibly and legally”.

Cllr Strudwick also said Reform UK aims to establish itself as a “common sense alternative” in Portsmouth politics following recent local election gains.

She pointed to Reform UK winning 33 per cent of the vote across the city at the recent elections, compared with 30 per cent for the Liberal Democrats.

“That sends a very strong message that residents want change and expect a stronger voice holding the administration to account,” she said.

“Our approach to scrutiny will be firm but constructive. Where the Liberal Democrat administration gets things right, we will support it, but where we see wasteful spending, policy failures, or decisions that do not reflect residents’ priorities, we will challenge them robustly.

“Portsmouth residents deserve transparency, accountability, and opposition that is prepared to ask difficult questions.”

Cllr Strudwick was previously chair of the licensing committee, which she said she will “continue serving” on as it is “an area I care deeply about”.

“Last year I was proud to be recognised nationally as a finalist in the Local Government Awards for my work as Licensing Chair. I remain passionate about licensing because it plays a vital role in protecting public safety and supporting responsible businesses across the city.”

Her appointment comes as Portsmouth politician George Madgwick is named leader of Reform UK on Hampshire County Council.