William Shaw has quit Reform UK to sit as an independent councillor on Doncaster Council, citing his appointment to politically neutral positions within the authority.
Shaw has represented the Conisbrough ward since his election in May 2026. In a letter to Reform leader Howard Rimmer, he wrote: "Through my councillor work, I now hold positions that are politically neutral."
Reform Party Response
Rimmer said the party was "extremely disappointed" by Shaw's decision. "While we respect his right to make his own decision, we believe it is important to recognise that residents elected him under the Reform UK banner, and we are disappointed he has chosen to step away from the party," he said.
Rimmer added that he believed being a member of a political party "does not prevent councillors from carrying out their responsibilities impartially or working constructively".
Shaw's Council Roles
Earlier this year, Shaw was appointed as Doncaster Council's "farming and nature recovery champion" by Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones. A farmer himself, Shaw said there was a "real disconnect" between the farming and public sectors and was committed to improving the relationship between local authorities and farms across the borough.
Shaw also sits on the Pride in Place board for Conisbrough North, which will determine how a £20m investment in that community will be spent over the next decade.
Shaw remains a councillor and has not resigned from that position. The Conisbrough ward has two other councillors representing the area — Rachel Reed and Jason Charity, both Reform UK members.