‘We’ve now got to deliver’ - Reform UK’s message to residents in South Tyneside
Reform UK have stated that they “must deliver” for residents in South Tyneside.
Reform UK have pledged to “work extremely hard” to build the confidence of residents across the borough as they take control of South Tyneside Council.
The party secured a landside victory during the 2026 local elections in the borough as they secured 41 of the 54 available seats at the local authority.
It means that for the first time since 1979, Labour is not the majority holder of the Council - with leader Tracey Dixon among those to lose their seats to Reform.
‘We’ve now got to deliver’
Paul Mackings, who was elected as a Reform UK councillor for Whiteleas, has reflected on the historic result at the 2026 local elections and stated that the party now has to “deliver” for residents in South Tyneside.
He said: “I’m ecstatic and so happy for the candidates who have worked extremely hard.
“We’ve got a great bunch of candidates and it is just amazing to get the result we’ve got but we’ve now got to deliver on behalf of the borough.
“I was born and bred into Labour but this is historic.
“To look at it [Labour] now, I don’t take any joy from it but I think they have to understand that you can’t take the public for granted.
“When the public ask for answers, you’ve got to give them and I know we are going to have to work extremely hard to build the confidence up of our constituents in the borough.”
What to expect from Reform UK in South Tyneside
Paul has also given an insight into what residents can expect from Reform UK as they take control of South Tyneside Council.
He added: “The biggest message for us as Reform is to look at the finances of the borough so we can analysis what has gone on.
“I think people deserve some answers.
“The biggest thing people have asked us about is potholes, people are sick to death of potholes as well as anti-social behaviour.
“These are some of the things we’ll be addressing immediately should be take control of South Tyneside Council.”
Following the 2026 local elections, there are 41 Reform UK councillors, 10 Green Party councillors, two independent councillors and one Labour councillor on South Tyneside Council.