Reform UK expels Northumberland councillor for alleged PM threats

A Reform UK councillor has been kicked out of the party following allegations he made online comments saying he wished to shoot Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Northumberland County Council’s John Allen was initially suspended by Reform but has now been expelled following an internal investigation into his conduct.

The comments, posted by the YouTube account @johnallen7807, were brought to light by anti-racism campaign group Hope Not Hate, but the account has not been verified by the BBC as belonging to the councillor.

Allen has been contacted for comment.

One post made by @johnallen7807 said: “I can’t wait to see Srarmer [sic] swinging from a lamp post.”

Another read: “I’d shoot Starmer myself if I had the weapon and opportunity.”

A spokesman for Reform UK said Allen had been expelled for “bringing the party into disrepute after making several unacceptable remarks online”.

Allen will continue to serve as the Hirst ward representative for the county councillor as an unaligned member, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, he resigned from his position at Ashington Town Council and was replaced by Reform’s Sonia Sim following a by-election held on 16 October.

Allen is the third councillor at the county council to be expelled from Reform.

Nicole Brooke and Patrick Lambert were kicked out earlier this month for breaching party rules over plans to hold a no confidence vote in the local leadership.

Reform continues to hold 20 seats on the council and remains the official opposition to the Conservative administration.