The Reform Leader of Lincolnshire County Council has failed to deliver on his promise to voters at this month’s election.

Lincolnshire residents were promised by Reform’s Cllr Sean Matthews that, if elected, he would cancel Lincolnshire’s involvement in the controversial Theddlethorpe nuclear waste project: “on day one – no confusion, an absolute.”

This clear pledge was widely circulated on social media during the county council election campaign. Yet, despite taking control of Lincolnshire County Council on 1 May, the Reform-led administration has already failed to deliver on its flagship promise.

Further, the agenda for the next Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB) includes a report outlining yet more discussions and consultations on the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) project, rather than the immediate withdrawal that residents were promised.

“This is a clear U-turn from Sean Matthews and Reform UK,” said Cllr Richard Davies, Leader of the Conservative opposition group on the county council. “Local people were told the project would be scrapped on day one. Instead, the new Reform administration is delaying, consulting, and refusing to give communities the certainty they deserve.” He concluded: “We call on Sean Matthews to explain why he has not kept his word to Lincolnshire residents. Reform UK cannot have it both ways – either they stand by their promises or admit they misled the public to win votes.”