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How to Cope with Divorce: Legal and Practical Steps

Graham Finch
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How to Cope with Divorce: Legal and Practical Steps

The divorce process has undergone significant shifts in the UK in recent years, aiming to move away from the blame game and towards a constructive future, but going through a divorce remains one of life’s most profound transitions.

This article guides you through the practical and legal steps to cope with divorce, helping you navigate the emotional impact while understanding the modern legal landscape.

Understanding the Legal Framework of Divorce in the UK

The most significant change to British family law in decades arrived with the introduction of the no-fault divorce system in April 2022. Previously, one spouse often had to prove “fault” (such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour) to avoid years of separation. The new process is built on a single requirement: a statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

The reform was specifically designed to reduce initial conflict by allowing couples to focus on the future rather than litigating the past. Under the new rules, there’s a mandatory 20-week reflection period between the initial application and the Conditional Order (formerly the Decree Nisi). The timeframe aims to give couples the space to consider their decision and make necessary arrangements before the divorce is finalised. 

Managing Finances and Practical Arrangements

The division of assets remains a complex task despite divorce itself being less adversarial than in previous years. Ensuring a fair split of the family home, pensions, savings, and debt is essential for your future stability, especially as the rising cost of living has intensified financial disputes, with more couples finding their household budgets stretched thinner as they transition from one home to two.

Professional guidance is important given these pressures. Engaging experienced divorce and separation solicitors can help you navigate financial settlements, ensuring that long-term interests (such as pension sharing or spousal maintenance) are legally protected. 

Careful financial management during this time prevents impulsive emotional decisions from causing long-term fiscal harm.

Prioritising Emotional Well-being and Support

The emotional toll of separation remains high even with a streamlined legal system, so it’s vital to separate the legal ending of the marriage from your personal recovery. Seeking counselling or joining support networks can provide a vital outlet for the grief and anger that often accompany a split. 

Prioritising your mental health ensures that you are in the right frame of mind to make the significant life decisions required during the legal process.

Exploring Dispute Resolution and Moving Forward

To avoid the delays and public nature of the court system, many UK couples are now choosing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Mediation and arbitration are increasingly encouraged by the judiciary to ease the pressure on family courts. These methods offer a quicker, more private, and often more cost-effective way to reach agreements on everything from childcare schedules to asset division. 

By choosing a collaborative path, you can conclude the legal aspects of your divorce with your dignity and finances intact, allowing you to move forward with clarity.

‘It’s more than golf’: Mapperley golf club under threat of being built on

Lauren Monaghan
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‘It’s more than golf’: Mapperley golf club under threat of being built on

Plans for hundreds more homes on a Nottinghamshire golf course could spark “real anger” in the community, with club officials claiming the council has “bitten off more than they can chew” over the controversial scheme.

The chair of Mapperley Golf Club spoke out as later this week Gedling Borough Council’s cabinet is set to decide on its updated ‘draft’ local development plan.

This outlines which areas in the borough could be allocated for several thousand new homes between 2028 and 2043.

Key bits of green space, including some edges of the borough’s swathes of countryside, have been included, which may see more rural areas become developed and smaller villages expand.

One particular bit of land is Mapperley Golf Club which could be earmarked for hundreds of new homes in future.

The authority – which owns the land – is pushing forward with its plans for the site off Plains Road and Central Avenue to potentially be used for up to 750 houses.

The 18-hole club has existed for more than 120 years and its membership has been growing in the last year.

Paul Cookson, 57, Mapperley Golf Club chairman, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he is “100 per cent confident” the club will still be there in 10 years.

He said: “We’ve been expecting this, however I think [the council] has bitten off more than they can chew because of the covenant of land, the problems of the land – the shape of it is not conducive of a housing estate.

“Even though it’s in the [council’s] plan, I’m 100 per cent confident the golf club will still be here in 10 years time because there’s so many legal things to go through to enforce termination of the lease.”

Mr Cookson says the club is “thriving”, with it being in the “best condition it’s ever been in”, and said the memberships are increasing year on year.

The club currently boasts nearly 500 members, with around 50 joining in the last year. Non-member footfall also increased by around 20 per cent in 2025 on the previous year.

Mr Cookson continued: “To remove a well-used community resource like that – they’ve already done the same with [Gedling Indoor] bowling club, they’re just removing all community-based activities.

“It’s been 127 years we’ve managed that land, gifted from different areas in Gedling for the purpose of recreation – they seem to have the god-given right to put 750 houses on and not a thought to the community.

“I intend to fight the good fight and not just roll over.”

Callum Fern, 32, has been the Head Professional at the club for around a year-and-a-half. He said the potential plans for the land are “awful”.

He said: “When I came in, a couple of things they wanted from me was to try increase female and junior participation –  we’ve had loads of initiatives to help women get into golf and kids get into golf.

“I think it’s awful really. It already seems very overpopulated in this area. I talk to members that have lived here for a long while… I hear that it’s a struggle to get into schools and doctors.

“It’s not just golfers. We’re trying to be a bit more of a community hub really, a place to come for breakfast, sit in the sun, have a pint with a family member.

“It’s more than just golf for a lot of people, it’s for their physical and mental health, a friendship hub, a community hub. It might be the only time they see people all week.”

Mr Fern said the feelings from the staff over the vulnerable future of the club have turned “more positive” compared to a year ago, where they have been doing their own research on what is in place to protect the land.

Anton Robinson was first a member in 2014 for a few years but rejoined again in 2022. He called the club his “happy place”.

He said: “For a lot of members it’s their life… there’s a lot of retired members, it’s where they come, meet people, get their exercise. There’s people in their 80s playing out there – you take that away from them, where do they go?

“It’s my happy place, I come up here as much as I possibly can… I’ve made really good friends here, I’ve still got really good friends here who I play with every week – it’s where I go to feel good and forget about working life or what the council’s doing.

“It wouldn’t be disappointment, it would be a real anger that this place has been taken away from us.

“You can argue it’s a small number of people playing golf but it’s the wider community, the wildlife, the green space – I think it would be an act of vandalism to take this away because it’s not like you can undo it.”

The golf course was previously threatened by plans to build on it more than a decade ago, with the authority planning to allocate the area for up to 1,900 homes up until 2011.

A 4,000-person strong campaign opposing the development followed and planning officials decided it would be too expensive to build there in the end.

A council spokesperson said: “The report in respect of the Consultation on the Publication Draft Gedling Local Development Plan will be considered by Cabinet on May 21 and, if approved by cabinet and then council, will allow a period of public consultation in respect of all the policies and allocations proposed, including Mapperley Golf Course.

“The Plan proposes a spatial strategy based on a settlement hierarchy with the proposed site allocations being in accordance with this. As much housing as is feasible is proposed to be located within and adjoining the main built up area of Nottingham.”

Police close road following three-car smash near Ravenshead

Emily Sanchez
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Police close road following three-car smash near Ravenshead

Police closed a road in the borough over the weekend following a three-vehicle crash, police have said.

Officers were called to Mansfield Road, near Ravenshead, just after 18:00pm on Saturday (16).

Nottinghamshire Police said the route was closed in both directions between Forest Lane and Kighill Lane.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had also been in attendance at the scene.

Latest planning applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council

Emily Sanchez
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Latest planning applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council last week.

These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.

Single storey rear extension, new accessible porch and first floor extension over existing garage to provide accessible accommodation
4 Middlebeck Drive, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0295

Variation of conditions 2 (approved plans) and 4 (window materials) of planning permission 2025/0542 to amend the position of the proposed dwelling, and amend the window material from timber to UPVC Residence 7.
29 Church Lane, Linby
Ref. No: 2026/0296

Pruning of overhanging tree branches to front of property.
146, Nottingham Road, Ravenshead
Ref. No: 2026/0288TPO

Proposed single storey rear extension
45 Barden Road, Woodthorpe
Ref. No: 2026/0287

Ash, Elm Cherry – removal of trees
South Lodge, Mansfield Road, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0299TPO5

Police issue CCTV appeal after car stolen from showroom

Emily Sanchez
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Police issue CCTV appeal after car stolen from showroom

Police investigating the theft of a car from a Carlton showroom have issued a man they want to speak to as part of their inquiries.

A Nissan Navara was reportedly taken from outside a car dealership in Oakdale Road.

The theft took place sometime between 5.30pm and 8.30pm on May 7, with police notified soon after.

Officers have been looking into the incident since then and can now release an image of someone they’d like to speak to.

Sergeant Elizabeth Johnson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This theft has caused understandable upset to the business owners.

“Bearing this in mind, we’re determined to get to the bottom of exactly what happened here and bring them justice.

“On that note, we’re trying to track down the man pictured, who we believe could have information that could assist our investigation.

“We’d therefore ask that he makes himself known to us, should he see this appeal, while we’d ask anyone who recognises him to let us know who he is.”

Information can be reported directly to the police on 101, quoting incident 718 of 7 May 2026, while Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Smart Storage Solutions Every Homeowner Should Know

Graham Finch
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Smart Storage Solutions Every Homeowner Should Know

Creating a well-organized home is about more than just tidiness; it’s about making the most of every inch of space you have. Whether you live in a compact apartment or a larger family home, smart storage solutions can transform clutter into calm while improving both functionality and aesthetics. With a few thoughtful strategies, homeowners can unlock hidden potential in their living spaces.

Make Use of Vertical Space

One of the most overlooked areas in any home is vertical space. Walls are not just for decoration; they can be practical storage hubs. Installing floating shelves, tall cabinets, or wall-mounted organizers allows you to store items without taking up valuable floor space. This approach works particularly well in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices where surfaces can quickly become overcrowded.

Floor-to-ceiling shelving units are another excellent option, especially in living rooms or bedrooms. They create a sense of height while providing ample storage for books, décor, and everyday essentials.

Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture

Furniture that serves more than one purpose is a game-changer for modern homes. Storage beds with built-in drawers, ottomans that double as storage boxes, and coffee tables with hidden compartments all help reduce clutter without sacrificing style.

These pieces are especially useful in smaller homes where space is limited. Instead of adding more furniture, you maximize what you already have. A well-chosen multi-functional item can replace multiple pieces, making your home feel more open and organized.

Optimize Underutilized Areas

Every home has spaces that often go unused, under the stairs, beneath the bed, or even above kitchen cabinets. These areas can be transformed into highly functional storage zones with a bit of creativity.

Under-stair storage, for example, can be turned into drawers, cupboards, or even a compact home office. Similarly, under-bed storage boxes are perfect for seasonal clothing, bedding, or shoes. Making use of these hidden areas helps keep your main living spaces clear and clutter-free.

Smart Garage and Outdoor Storage

Garages and outdoor spaces often become dumping grounds for tools, equipment, and seasonal items. However, with proper planning, they can become highly efficient storage areas.

Wall-mounted racks, pegboards, and overhead storage systems help keep items organized and easily accessible. For larger storage needs, such as water storage or bulk equipment, investing in durable external solutions can make a significant difference. For example, using reliable systems from quicktanks.co.uk can help homeowners manage outdoor storage more effectively while keeping essential resources secure and accessible.

Declutter Before You Organize

Before implementing any storage solution, it’s important to declutter. Keeping items you no longer use or need will only make storage more difficult. Go through each room and sort belongings into categories: keep, donate, or discard.

Once you’ve reduced unnecessary items, organizing becomes much easier. You’ll also have a clearer idea of what type of storage solutions will work best for your home.

Use Clear Containers and Labels

Storage isn’t just about putting things away; it’s about being able to find them when you need them. Clear containers allow you to see what’s inside at a glance, while labels add an extra layer of organization.

This method works particularly well in pantries, closets, and garages. Group similar items together and label them clearly to save time and avoid frustration later.

Create Dedicated Zones

Assigning specific areas for different activities or categories of items can greatly improve organization. For example, create a designated entryway zone for shoes, coats, and bags, or a specific cabinet for cleaning supplies.

When everything has a “home,” it’s easier to maintain order. This approach also helps other household members stay organized, as they know exactly where items belong.

Keep It Flexible

Finally, remember that your storage needs may change over time. Choose solutions that are adaptable and easy to adjust. Modular shelving, stackable containers, and movable organizers allow you to reconfigure your space as needed.

A flexible approach ensures that your home remains functional and organized, no matter how your lifestyle evolves.

Handling the 5 Toughest Moves On Your Practical Test

Gedling Eye
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Handling the 5 Toughest Moves On Your Practical Test

Learning to drive in 2026 involves more than just not stalling. With busier urban centres and stricter assessment standards, the hardest five manoeuvres are the ones that test your spatial judgement and continuous observation under pressure. This post will show you how to handle these five tricky manoeuvres on your practical test. Read on to find out more.

1. Parallel Parking

Universally dreaded by learners (and even many experienced motorists!), parallel parking requires you to reverse into a space about two car-lengths behind a parked vehicle. This demands perfect timing with your steering: if you turn too early, you hit the curb, whereas if you turn too late, you’ll end up stuck in the road. Modern cars often have thicker pillars for safety, which can create larger blind spots. Learners must rely on a mix of physical observations and camera sensors (if your car has them).

2. Pulling Up On the Right & Reversing

Introduced to reflect the real-world delivery culture, this manoeuvre involves crossing the path of oncoming traffic to park on the right-hand side of the road, then reversing for two car lengths. You are technically driving against the flow of traffic, and the reverse part is challenging as you are looking out of the “wrong” side of the car, and your mirrors will show the curb from an unfamiliar angle. Observation is key, so you want to practice in your own car with learner drive insurance for financial protection.

3. Forward Bay Park (& Reversing Out)

While it sounds easier than reversing in, many learners find this manoeuvre harder because of the swing required to get straight into a narrow bay. You have very little room to adjust once you are in, but the hardest part is reversing out into a busy car park aisle where your vision is blocked. Accuracy is vital as you must finish between the lines without shunting (moving back and forth) too many times.

4. Reverse Bay Park

Reverse bay parking requires you to drive past a parking bay and reverse into it, usually at a 90-degree angle. It is all about reference points, and many learners lose track of where their rear wheels are in relation to the white lines. Once mastered, this is actually safer than the forward bay park, as you get a much better view when driving out.

5. The Emergency Stop

Though technically an exercise, the emergency stop is one of the most high-stakes moments of a driving test and a test of reaction times and vehicle control. In 2026, most cars have ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), but you still need to demonstrate that you can stop the car instantly without losing control or skidding. Don’t forget to do a full 360-degree blind spot check after the stop before moving again.

These are the five manoeuvres that you will want to master ahead of your test. With practice, you can build your confidence and abilities so that you will be in a strong position to pass.

More reaction after plans revealed for major new solar farm near Burton Joyce bypass

Lauren Monaghan
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More reaction after plans revealed for major new solar farm near Burton Joyce bypass

Residents have reacted to news over plans for a vast new solar farm next to Burton Joyce bypass.

Renewable energy company Perigus Energy is preparing to submit formal plans for a new solar scheme on farmland next to Gedling Woods and the Colliery Way bypass, on the edge of Burton Joyce.

The project has been named Barrons Solar Farm and, while nothing is set in stone at this stage, around 220 acres of land could end up being used to house a new solar plant designed to power around 16,000 homes each year.

Before the firm submits its final proposals to Gedling Borough Council, officials want to hear the thoughts and opinions of village residents, with a public consultation currently running until Monday, June 8, to gather responses.

Some village residents have welcomed the potential plans, saying it is a step towards more ‘energy security’ for the country following the price hikes of fuel in the wake of the Iran war.

One villager, who has lived in Burton Joyce and asked not to be named, said: “If anything, the last couple of months have reminded us of how dependent we are of getting energy elsewhere on the planet and have less control over our economy.

“If someone’s got land, and not doing something about it, I’d rather a solar farm than more houses.

“It’s not got the same environmental footprint as fossil fuels and the more energy generated at home, the better.”

Julie Smith, 71, who has lived nearby the fields for 10 years, called a new solar farm a “logical step”.

She said: “I don’t see how it could impact us in anyway – if it made electricity cheaper that’d be good.

“Out of [housing or a solar farm] we’d sooner have a solar farm – even the people that would back onto it, if they plant trees in the right way they won’t see it.”

Professor Clive Thomas, 85, who has lived in the village for about 25 years, said the scheme was an ‘excellent idea’.

He said: “We’ve got to have electric – we can’t remain with oil – it’s better than fields of rapeseed.

“It’s a very beautiful village, the people are very friendly. It doesn’t make any difference – nobody goes up there, it’s just a farmer.”

However, one resident, who asked not to be named, said those living next to the land “would be against it”.

He said: “People don’t want that. We’re all [living here] because we pay good money to be here.

“We’ve all come here because of the peace and quiet and where there is no affect on us whatsoever – it makes the house prices go down.”

Perigus Energy’s plans outline the site would generate up to 49.9 megawatts of clean renewable electricity and would reduce the reliance on imported energy.

The energy company says because the land has gentle slopes, is near the woods and has established field boundaries, then the project could be integrated ‘senstively’.

It says existing hedges and boundaries would be kept where possible and enhanced, reducing the visual impact of the development and helping local wildlife.

Gedling Borough and Nottinghamshire County Councillor, Mike Adams (Con), who represents the area, said he was “encouraging residents to get involved in the consultation”.

He said: “It needs to go up to public consultation and the residents need to give their views – that’s got to be key.

“If the residents want it, have voiced their opinion and are happy with it, then as a representative of their council I will back it.”

As part of the consultation, the company is running an in-person exhibition at Burton Joyce and Bulcote Village Hall on Saturday, May 16 – between 10am and 2pm – to show residents the plans and speak directly with them.

Details about of the proposals, along with an online feedback form, are available at www.barronssolar.co.uk.

‘Plan ahead’ advice issued to passengers travelling to Skegness on train this summer

Emily Sanchez
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‘Plan ahead’ advice issued to passengers travelling to Skegness on train this summer

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is urging passengers in the borough to book to guarantee their space for trips to Skegness this summer, as the operator prepares for another busy seaside season.

EMR will introduce additional capacity on its Nottingham to Skegness route from May 2026, providing thousands more seats each week to help meet demand. However, passengers who do not book ahead may not be able to board their preferred service. 

Across the summer timetable, four out of five services will operate with four-car trains, with the remaining services running as three-car trains on key days. This will deliver an increase of more than 13,000 extra seats per week between Nottingham and Skegness.

Despite the additional capacity, passengers are being strongly advised to book in advance – particularly for travel on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays – to guarantee their space to the seaside.

Reservations will be mandatory on the busiest days to ensure customers have a confirmed place before travelling.

Customers are also being reminded to travel light where possible. Space for luggage on trains is limited. EMR recommends bringing only one bag per person to ensure it can be safely stowed on board.

Smaller bags can be stowed in the luggage racks above their head (maximum size 55cm(h) x 40cm(w) x 20cm).

Holdalls can be stored between the sets of seats. Larger bags will need to be placed into designated luggage areas. Staff will be on hand to help load luggage at Nottingham and Skegness on key days.

Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We know how popular Skegness is during the summer months, and we’re pleased to be able to offer more seats for customers this year.

“However, trains are still expected to be very busy – especially at weekends- so it’s essential that customers plan ahead and book in advance to guarantee their journey.

“By reserving a space and choosing quieter services where possible, customers can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable trip to the seaside. 

“Likewise, we strongly advise to only bring what you need and pack light.”

Customers can book tickets and reserve seats via the EMR website or app.

One year of Reform runnuing Nottinghamshire

Lauren Monaghan
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One year of Reform runnuing Nottinghamshire

It has been a little more than a year since Reform UK took control of 10 councils in 2025’s local elections. In Nottinghamshire, the group’s first term has seen ups and downs.

Reform stormed Nottinghamshire County Council last May, ending up with 41 out of 66 seats, ousting the Conservatives after nearly a decade in power.

Its momentum has continued locally since then, with former Conservative County Council leader Ben Bradley defecting to Nigel Farage’s party in December 2025, followed by former Tory Newark MP Robert Jenrick’s defection in January 2026 and Bassetlaw district councillor Simon Richardson’s defection in February.

The party also managed to nab 14 more councils in the wider May 2026 local elections, gaining an additional 1,453 seats.

With the Reform wave still going strong, how has one of its early councils performed in its first year?

The lowest council tax rise in a decade – but not a freeze as promised

Around the beginning of each year, residents anticipate what council tax hike their local authority will serve them with – and Nottinghamshire’s Reform took a modest approach when setting its first budget for 2026/27.

In February, the Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council approved one of the lowest council tax rises at the authority in the last decade at 3.99 per cent – lower than the Tories’ approved 4.84 per cent increase the year before.

The rise appeared respectable amongst other authorities led by the party, with neighbouring Derbyshire’s increase of 4.9 per cent, Kent’s increase by the same, Lincolnshire’s rise of 2.9 per cent and Worcestershire’s dramatic hike of nearly 9 per cent.

But the increase was met with criticism at the time from the Conservative opposition, who called it ‘broken promises’ on the back of previous Reform campaign leaflets promising a council tax freeze.

Finding millions in savings – but some say the plans are ‘built on sand’

Along with its approved council tax rise, Reform also passed its first budget at the authority for the 2026/27 financial year.

Its budget is £880 million for this year, which is an overall increase of £212 million in spending compared to the year before.

Shortly after winning the 2025 election, council leader Mick Barton, his cabinet, and the council’s officers began their own efficiency review to find cost savings amid continued budget pressures.

The group’s first budget included the ambitious plans to find and save £44.2 million of ‘efficiencies’ over the next three financial years, aiming to find £18 million of savings this year, £15 million the year after and another £10 million the year after that.

In terms of where the savings will come from, £21.3 million will come from the adult social care department over the three-year period, whilst £17 million will come from the children and families department, and £1 million will come from its contract with Via.

The authority already announced it saved around £1.6 million in agency staff reductions earlier this year.

Conservative opposition leader Councillor Sam Smith previously said the savings plan was “built on sand”, and that the authority had given away little detail on how it would achieve the plan or whether any of it had started to come to fruition.

In March, the authority’s leader Mick Barton maintained no “cost-cutting” was involved in the savings goal, saying his council had already identified a £2.3 million saving in post-16 school transport, £170,000 in cutting post-16 Catholic school transport and £208,000 in pre-16 school transport changes.

If Reform wishes to avoid hiking council tax up by the maximum in the coming years, it will be influenced by how successful this cash-saving plan is.

Thousands of pounds spent on new Union Flag banners – and little interest in sponsoring them

One of Nottinghamshire Reform’s more controversial decisions was its £75,000 spend on erecting 164 Union Flag banners across the county.

The announcement was made back in October 2025 and the total cost includes the banners, money for brackets, traffic management and cherry pickers.

Opposition members have called the venture a waste of taxpayer money, but council leader Mick Barton has maintained it is a “long-term” investment and has the chance to bring in money for the authority.

Reform’s aim is for some of the banners to be sponsored by businesses, who can use them to advertise their services, which could bring in a return for the authority.

So far, no sponsorships have been confirmed for the banners, with the council responding to an FOI submitted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service in April that it had a “small number of enquiries” from organisations.

A ‘record level’ of investment into the county’s deteriorating roads

Nottinghamshire Reform was clear leading up to the 2025 local elections that fixing the county’s crumbling, deteriorating roads was one of its top priorities.

It cemented this stance in early 2026 when it announced in March it would be pumping in a “game-changing” £122.5 million investment into fixing its highway network.

The following month, this pot climbed to £181.25 million for 2026/27, with an extra £58 million as part of its ‘second phase’ of investment – the most money the authority has ever invested into Nottinghamshire roads in a single year.

Both of these cash pots came after the council announced in February its £2 million emergency spend on fixing the county’s most dire roads.

At the end of April, the authority unveiled two of the JCB Pothole Pro machines that it was leasing in its plight to mend roads.

They are designed to carry out 200 to 250 metres worth of work each day and the machines have been trialled by neighbouring Reform-run authorities in Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, typically costing between £150,000 and £200,000.

Residents can expect to see the new machines on Nottinghamshire roads this May and, if feedback is strong, the authority will consider permanently buying two vehicles and possibly even more.

A difficult relationship with the local media that made global headlines

Reform UK has recently made headlines again regarding press freedom and scrutiny after the party’s Ipswich chairman, Shayne Pooley, stated its newly elected councillors in the area would not be speaking to the media, publicly writing “neither we or the voters need you”.

This is not the first press ban instigated by party members, where reporters at the Nottingham Post, and its online arm Nottinghamshire Live, dealt with similar circumstances in August 2025.

It followed unhappiness from Reform’s Nottinghamshire County Council leadership about an article on local government reorganisation, which contained a claim that those not voting for council leader Mick Barton’s preference on the issue could be suspended.

It meant reporters were removed from the council’s distribution list, were stopped from being invited to council events and were banned from speaking to Councillor Barton. This also affected speaking with other Reform members.

The ban was partially lifted for the publication’s three BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporters following a private meeting between two of the reporters and the authorities’ cabinet in September 2025, and then lifted in full for the entire publication in early October following a legal challenge.

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