Conservatives Accuse Reform UK of Ignoring Promises in Havering 2026

Key Points

• Romford Conservative chairman Dominic Swan has publicly challenged the Reform UK administration running Havering Council following their first 100 days in office.
• The opposition has raised concerns regarding the abandonment of “Hexit” (Havering leaving Greater London), pointing out that council leadership acknowledged it would leave residents worse off.
• Criticism has been leveled at councillor roles and administrative costs, including the creation of a new cabinet position and the leader holding two full-time taxpayer-funded roles despite earlier promises to reduce positions.
• Closed local libraries remain un-opened, with opposition members noting a lack of a published timetable for their reopening.
• Council tax rates have increased by £111 for Band D properties, alongside claims regarding the misflying of the Union Jack at the Town Hall.

Romford (East London Times) September 7, 2026 — Romford Conservative chairman Dominic Swan has issued a formal political response challenging Reform UK’s performance during its first 100 days managing Havering Council. Addressing recent coverage of the administration’s progress report and ongoing discussions surrounding local governance, the Conservative representative argued that the ruling group has quickly disregarded key commitments made to local voters during campaign efforts.

Why is the Conservative Party challenging Reform UK over its first 100 days in Havering?

In an official statement detailing the political opposition’s stance, Dominic Swan outlined multiple specific policy areas where the Conservative executive claims Reform UK has failed to deliver on its foundational commitments.

As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, Swan stated that: “Running a council is not easy. But the speed with which Reform have forgotten their promises to voters is shocking. They have issued a 100 day report that simply ignores their own pledges”.

The challenge centers around several structural, financial, and operational promises put forward prior to taking control of the local authority.

What are the key areas of dispute regarding Hexit and administration costs?

A primary point of contention involves the initiative to remove Havering from the Greater London Authority, widely referred to as “Hexit”. According to the Conservative opposition, campaign assertions that exiting London would save millions have been backtracked by current council leadership.

As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, Swan highlighted the reversal on local administration structure, stating that: “Reform said that we would save millions by leaving London. But right after the election, their own Council leader admitted that ‘Hexit [leaving London] would make Residents significantly worse off’. They now also admit it was ‘Political Distraction’”.

Additionally, the opposition has highlighted discrepancies regarding governance costs and councillor positions. As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, Swan noted that: “Reform said they would cut 18 Councillor roles to cut costs. It hasn’t happened. They actually created an extra taxpayer funded Cabinet job for a Reform politician. And their Council Leader now has two full time taxpayer funded jobs”.

How have local services, community safety, and council tax been affected?

The political response further addresses municipal services, specifically public library access and property taxes. Local Conservatives assert that pledges to restore library operations immediately after taking office have not materialized.

As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, Swan stated that: “Reform promised to reopen Libraries day one. They are still closed. Worse, Reform has not even published a timetable to open them”.

Addressing household financial pressures and public safety spending, Swan added: “We all pay for this. Reform also promised to cut our bills. Instead, our band D Council tax increased by £111 again this year. Less than a quarter of our Council tax goes to London to pay for our Police, Fire Services and Freedom passes”.

The opposition representative also made reference to civic symbol presentation, stating: “I am pleased that the Union Jack is flying over the Town Hall again. Sadly, Reform flew it the wrong way up”.

Concluding the political challenge, Swan suggested that future financial or operational difficulties might be attributed to external political bodies rather than local decision-making. As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, Swan expressed that: “Soon Reform will try and blame their failure on Sadiq Khan or the Labour government – even though they were in power before Reform made their pledges. Havering needs a Council that focuses on solving our problems, not slogans and false promises”.

Background of the particular development

May Local Elections

May 2026

Reform UK secures representation and control within Havering Council following local elections, campaigning on platforms including local governance reform, potential separation from London authority frameworks, and municipal cost reductions.

Administration Launch & 100-Day Plan

July 2026

Havering Council Leader Councillor Keith Prince AM formally announces the administration’s 100-day plan at Full Council, aiming to stabilize finances, focus on town center initiatives, and establish long-term strategy.

Debate Over Hexit

August–September 2026

Discussions emerge during council sessions regarding the feasibility of Havering leaving the Greater London Authority, with administration representatives classifying full constitutional departure as impractical for immediate focus.

100 Days Milestone Reached

September 2026

Reform UK marks its first 100 days in administration, pointing to progress in town center cleaning, temporary accommodation savings, and waste site enforcement.

Conservative Opposition Response

September 7, 2026

Romford Conservative Chairman Dominic Swan issues a statement detailing political opposition to the 100-day report and alleging unfulfilled promises.

Prediction: How this development can affect Havering residents and local taxpayers

The ongoing political debate and shifting administration priorities in Havering are expected to influence local residents, property owners, and service users in several distinct ways:

• Local Property Taxation: Residents paying Band D council tax will absorb the £111 increase enacted for the current fiscal cycle. Future fiscal adjustments will depend on how the administration balances local municipal budgets alongside external GLA precept contributions.
• Access to Public Facilities: Community members relying on local library services will face continued closures until formal opening schedules or alternative delivery models are finalized and published by the council.
• Greater London Authority Integration: With the administration ruling out active pursuit of “Hexit,” Havering will remain integrated within Greater London authority frameworks. This guarantees the continued operation of GLA-funded services such as the Transport for London Freedom Pass, London Fire Brigade coverage, and Metropolitan Police services funded through local tax contributions.
• Municipal Accountability: As the local government transitions from its initial 100-day stabilization phase toward longer-term plans like “The Havering Plan: 2040,” residents will be watching to see how the administration addresses opposition scrutiny over councillor roles, cabinet spending, and overall service delivery.