As Reform UK mark 100 days in control of Lincolnshire County Council, one thing is clear: behind the headlines and recycled announcements lies a legacy of Conservative delivery they’re now scrambling to claim as their own.

In a press release full of familiar headlines, Council Leader Cllr Sean Matthews lists six “achievements” – but every single one traces its roots back to policies, plans or successes already in place before May’s election.

Let’s take a closer look:

1. Nuclear Waste Withdrawal – Already Agreed

Cllr Matthews claimed “day one” action on the proposed nuclear waste site at Theddlethorpe – but it took weeks for Reform to follow through. As was made clear publicly back in March (BBC, 18th March 2025), the Conservative administration had already committed to ending the partnership. Reform merely executed the withdrawal we had already triggered.

2. Property Sales – Part of Our Long-Term Savings Plan

Reform trumpet £15 million of potential savings by selling unused buildings – but as their report makes clear, this is simply the final stage of a decade-long Conservative plan that has already saved hundreds of millions for Lincolnshire taxpayers. Nothing new, nothing bold – just carrying on our work.

3. IT Contract – Delivered Despite Reform Infighting

The new IT contract with Version 1 is a direct continuation of the procurement process we initiated. In fact, behind the scenes, Reform figures both locally and nationally tried to derail the deal without offering alternatives. They now take credit for something they tried to block.

4. SEND Hubs – A Conservative Policy from Day One

The new SEND hub programme began its public consultation phase in January, months before Reform took office. It was a Conservative initiative driven by our belief that children with additional needs deserve better support in mainstream settings. Reform’s only action was signing off on our hard work.

5. Pothole Pro – A Rerun of a Trial We Already Rejected

Lincolnshire’s engineers already trialled the JCB Pothole Pro years ago and found better tools, like the Multihog, for our county’s needs. Contractors already own the kit. Why push it again? Residents will rightly ask why equipment linked to a major Reform donor is suddenly back in the spotlight.

6. Support for Care Leavers – A Longstanding Strength

Children’s Services in Lincolnshire were rated “outstanding” long before Reform took over. Ofsted’s recent praise reflects years of strong Conservative leadership, not 100 days of rebranding.

So what has Reform done in its first 100 days?

1. Scrapped the Flood and Water Management Committee

Axed for vague “efficiency” reasons, despite warnings from experts and cross-party politicians. At a time of climate uncertainty, Lincolnshire needs more flood oversight – not less.

2. U-Turned on Their Rhetoric

Having spent months attacking the Council’s performance, Reform councillors now regularly admit services are “well-run” and “excellent.” They’ve discovered what residents already knew: LCC is a high-performing council – and always has been.

3. Committed to Borrowing – Despite Promising Not To

Before the election, Reform slammed capital borrowing. Now? They’re borrowing even more – exposing yet another broken promise.

4. A Chaotic Administration

Behind closed doors, Reform’s leadership has been marked by infighting, committee chair sackings, absenteeism and U-turns. Residents deserve to know – who’s running Lincolnshire? Is it Richard Tice? Nigel Farage? Zia Yusuf? One thing’s for sure – it’s not Cllr Sean Matthews.

Conclusion

One hundred days in, Lincolnshire residents are seeing what happens when rhetoric replaces reality. The new leadership is simply reheating old plans while struggling to maintain unity and purpose.

Reform promised transformation – but so far, they’ve delivered little more than a photocopy of the Conservative record.