Reform’s Richard Tice ‘scores big’ – but Labour hits back over tax allegations
In a lively press conference yesterday, Richard Tice drew on his passion for football to frame his party’s record, claiming that 19 minutes into the political “game” of his first 10 months in office, Reform-led councils were already “5-0 up.”
Tice, who openly supports Liverpool FC, highlighted what he called Reform’s achievements across local government:
Delivering savings: Reform councils have reportedly saved £325 million “from day one,” including tens of millions from IT contracts in Lincolnshire.
Service improvements: Staffordshire’s children’s services were recognized by Ofsted for marked improvements, which Tice described as a “source of pride.”
Future budget savings: Reform councils have identified £400 million in savings for the 2026/27 budgets, resulting in the lowest council tax rises among major parties—averaging 2.9% in Lincolnshire, contrary to press claims of 4.99%.
Local government pensions: Tice pointed to what he called a “scandal in plain sight,” where pensions across 98 funds total £500 billion, often underperforming or overcharging taxpayers. He suggested that proper oversight could prevent future council tax rises.
Council tax savings: The cumulative effect of these measures, he said, demonstrates “the evidence is in—the data is there.”
Tice also addressed reports in the Sunday Times that he had “avoided nearly £600,000 in corporation tax” through his property company, Quidnet Reit Ltd. He defended the arrangement as fully legal under UK law, saying there was no obligation to pay the maximum tax and suggesting that many individuals in similar situations would have acted similarly.
Despite the upbeat presentation, Labour was quick to respond. Anna Turley called Tice’s statements “a public insult,” questioning the ethics behind his tax arrangements:
“Tice claimed a particular status for his company for nearly three years so he wouldn’t have to pay corporation tax. The idea that this is akin to having an ISA or making pension contributions is frankly absurd.”
Turley criticized Reform for what she described as “hiking council tax and cutting services while pretending to be on the side of working people,” arguing that Tice’s personal tax decisions contrasted sharply with the party’s public promises.
Tice, however, emphasized Reform’s growing political momentum: in the last May elections, the party increased its councillor numbers from 804 to 976, winning 76 by-elections—more than the Conservatives, Labour, and Greens combined.
“19 minutes in, and we’re 5-0 up,” Tice concluded, smiling at the football metaphor that had framed his entire address.