New councillor no longer with Reform UK - leader

One of Reform UK's councillors elected in Bradford last week is no longer a representative of the party, the group's leader on the council has said.

Daniel Devaney, who was voted in as one of three Reform councillors for Clayton and Fairweather Green on 7 May, apologised before the election for previously describing Muslims as "pure scum" on social media.

Speaking to BBC Politics North, Stephen Place, the new leader of the Reform group on Bradford Council, said Devaney was "not a Reform councillor", and must "stand either as an independent or not stand at all - which will force a by election - it's entirely up to him".

Devaney has been approached by the BBC for comment, but has yet to respond.

Devaney apologised before the local elections for previously saying on social media that he would "blast [Muslims] off the face of the earth".

He told the Telegraph and Argus newspaper that the comment "was wrong and said while I was in a bad mood and watching TV".

He added: "They are not scum and that was a bad thing to say and I regret it."

He also told the newspaper before the election that he would not be standing.

However, on 7 May Devaney received 1,387 votes for the Clayton and Fairweather Green ward and was subsequently elected as one of its Reform councillors.

Five days ago, he posted on Facebook to thank supporters and said he would "do the best I can".

Reform took 29 of the 87 seats contested at last week's election in Bradford to end Labour's control of the authority, but fell short of securing majority.

Place told BBC Politics North: "It's entirely his decision what he does now, but he's not a Reform councillor."

"Words have consequences and I don't condone his words at all - they're horrific, he should never have put those out," Place said.

However, he added that Devaney was "absolutely devastated" and had previously issued "heartfelt apologies".

"His words were wrong but I have to have a bit of empathy for him for the fallout of this. It's absolutely ruined him," Place said.

Devaney is currently still listed on the Bradford Council website as being one of three Reform councillors for the Clayton and Fairweather ward.

Place said the information on the authority's website needed updating.

"We need to change that. It's entirely his decision what he does now, but he's not a Reform councillor," he said.

Bradford Council has been approached for comment, but has not yet responded.

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