Alan Feeney has left the Reform UK group and said he will continue as an independent councillor. He announced the move on social media on Monday evening, October 12, and said he will keep representing residents of Castle Bromwich and Shard End.
Alan Feeney on October 12
Feeney said: "Following discussions I have mutually agreed with Reform UK that, for personal reasons, I will be leaving the party," and added: "I will continue to represent the residents of Castle Bromwich and Shard End as an independent councillor and would like to thank all my colleagues." He had served as deputy leader of the Reform UK group before resigning.
He also stepped down from the Reform UK group at Birmingham City Council, where he represents Shard End. That leaves him in place as a councillor, but outside the party group he had been part of on both councils.
Chris Whelan follows
Within hours, Chris Whelan also left the Reform UK group. He said: "I have mutually agreed to resign from the Reform UK group on personal and health grounds," and added that he would remain as an independent councillor and continue to work hard for the residents of Castle Bromwich.
Samantha Gethen said: "Coun Feeney and Coun Whelan have resigned the Reform UK whip." She added: "We thank them for their hard work on behalf of residents" and "We regret this outcome, and we wish them well." A Reform UK spokesperson said: "Coun Whelan and Coun Feeney's resignations from the group have been mutually agreed on personal grounds."
Solihull Council group
The resignations came within 24 hours of each other on Solihull Council, with Feeney leaving first and Whelan following later. Feeney had initially left the Conservative group in June 2025 and joined a breakaway Solihull Independents group before later becoming part of Reform UK.
For residents in Castle Bromwich and Shard End, the practical change is straightforward: both councillors remain in office, but neither is now sitting in the Reform UK group. The open question left by Feeney’s statement is the one he did not answer — what specific personal reasons led him to leave.
