New figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal that Reform UK’s leader in Suffolk, Councillor Christopher Hudson, has only attended one Parish Council meeting in his Division of Belstead Brook since the end of 2023.
Attendance at Parish Council meetings is a key part of a County Councillor’s role, with a specific agenda item usually set at each meeting for them to report back and take questions. Councillor Hudson’s Division comprises the parishes of Belstead, Burstall, Chattisham, Copdock and Washbrook, Hintlesham, Pinewood, and Sproughton.
Since his election in 2021, each of Councillor Hudson’s Parish Councils have met between 6 and 12 times a year. In 2024, he failed to attend any of the 57 meetings held, in 2025 he attended 1 of 58 meetings and, so far this year, he has failed to attend a single meeting. The figures suggest two of his parishes, Belstead and Sproughton, have not seen him attend at all.
Attendance by his Reform UK colleagues is little better, with Councillor Patti Mulcahy attending 19 percent of meetings since 2021 and Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton’s attendance falling to 38 percent in 2025.
This pattern of low attendance and disengagement is emblematic of a growing national trend within Reform UK’s local government operations. Since gaining seats in the 2024 and 2025 local elections, the party has faced repeated criticism for councillor absenteeism, dozens of resignations, suspensions and expulsions, and a widening credibility gap between its anti-establishment rhetoric and on-the-ground delivery – including broken pledges on council tax and community engagement.
The Conservative Leader of Suffolk County Council, Councillor Matthew Hicks, said:
“These are some truly shocking figures. Parish Councils are at the heart of our community, performing essential local work. Attendance at these meetings by the local County Councillor is one of the most important parts of the role. It’s an opportunity to listen, feedback, solve local issues and, most importantly, to be held to account.
“The information we’ve obtained exposes just how little Reform UK care about local communities. Unless it’s a rally attended by their leader, clearly they just don’t show up. That Councillor Hudson was lecturing others on attendance a few short weeks ago shows their utter hypocrisy.
“Being a local Councillor is hard work, I represent 24 parishes. Sometimes I have a Parish Council meeting most weekday evenings, with multiple parishes the same night, but I still make every effort to attend. It is a vital part of the role. In fact, since 2021, I’ve attended nearly 400 of my local parish council meetings – more than the entire Reform UK Group combined!
“Whether it’s breaking promises not to put up taxes, then hiking local rates by as much as 9 percent, or promising to be the voice of the community, then failing to show up. It’s clear that Reform UK do nothing but break their word.”
