Cllr David Taylor

02/06/2026

* Calls for Redditch Mayor to quit *

The newly elected Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Sue Eacock, is dominating local headlines today following serious allegations of racism and homophobia.

Years of historic Twitter posts have resurfaced, and circulated across social media.

Cllr Eacock has not yet made any public comment, but it is difficult to see how this ends well for her.

I have also heard that invitations from LGBTQ+ groups have already been withdrawn. This, in just a few hours and just today.

Many residents know her as a hardworking councillor and a committed Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care within the Reform administration. But once allegations of this nature break, the end result is always the same.

When the drums start beating, the noise only grows louder.

Opinions are part of political life, but these comments go far beyond what the public expects from someone holding civic office.

I fear this story will continue to roll on, with even more material emerging.

At this point, the only route that preserves any dignity for Councillor Eacock is to step down and make a public apology.

Time is absolutely of the essence…and the clock is ticking by the minute.

01/06/2026

* Alex Hospital is getting it all wrong *

Over the last 24 hours, I’ve seen something that has genuinely shaken me. What I witnessed at the Alexandra Hospital tells a very bleak story about what our society has become.

I’ll spare the long background and go straight to the point:

The NHS is not prioritising vulnerable, innocent women over lawbreaking (and in one case) drunken men. I say that without hesitation because I saw it with my own eyes.

In the secondary waiting room, six women, all clearly unwell, distressed, and in need of help, were left for hours with little to no support.

* A cancer patient crying from 11pm until 5am because she couldn’t get pain relief or see a doctor.
* An elderly woman so confused she didn’t know her own name, left alone in a corner.
* A woman in her early 50s with dangerously high blood pressure, sweating heavily, with no observations being taken.
* Another elderly patient who had been in A&E since 10am the previous morning, still in the same chair at 5am.

And then came the moment that defied belief.

Two men, brought in separately under police guard, each with three officers in full uniform, were immediately taken to private cubicles. One to sleep off a night of heavy drinking. The other to rest with his foot raised because of what looked like a swollen ankle.

So this is where we are now.

Law‑abiding women left to suffer in chairs for hours, while detainees are given priority space, privacy, and attention.

This isn’t exaggeration. This is what I witnessed first-hand. And it speaks to a system that has become confused, unfair, and, frankly, ignorant of basic compassion.

I won’t even begin to describe the attitude and lack of empathy from some staff, that’s a separate issue entirely.

I also don't need to explain the frustration that there were 6 police officers sat in A & E for hours on end. That's 6 more officers not out solving crimes or protecting our residents.

Here is what I do know. This is not the society I want to live in. Seemingly self inflicted wounded criminals given priority over completely innocent poorly, suffering woman.

I will be submitting a formal complaint, and I would genuinely like to hear if others have had similar experiences.

We cannot keep accepting this. We have to push for change.

Please reach out to me if I can highlight your experience.

28/05/2026

* Redditch Library building stay or go? *

The new Redditch council administration is only in its second day, one major unresolved question remains firmly on the agenda:

Will the Redditch Library continue in its current form, and in its current location?

Several years ago, there was open discussion and contracts written up about demolition. The building is ageing, in poor condition, and regardless of whether the library stays or moves, significant investment is unavoidable.

I’m not privy to the new Leader’s policy direction, but it is hard to imagine this issue being left untouched for long. It is one of the most practical decisions facing the new administration.

In just under 12 months, Worcestershire will elect its new unitary authority. During the first year as a shadow authority, every public asset across the county will undergo a full review. I’ve already looked into assets in my cabinet position for LGR last November. Not at the depth needed to decide on the fate of every building, at that point my goal was to extract data, not make decisions on individual protects.

But from now up until next year, all assets will need to be considered including its usefulness and purpose, its value for taxpayers, and its long‑term viability.

That means the library building will not escape scrutiny. Its condition, cost, and future use will all be assessed alongside other assets.

A library is essential to Redditch. That much is certain. But does it need to remain in its current location, in a building that could be argued, is no longer fit for purpose?

This is where the new administration will have to plant its flag. Whether they choose refurbishment, relocation, or redevelopment, it will be one of the earliest and most defining decisions of their term.

What do you think?

*image is for illustration only.

26/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18ndxG84dS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I’m incredibly honoured and proud to have been appointed Portfolio Holder for Housing at Redditch Borough Council under the leadership of Councillor Dormer.

This appointment is not only a personal privilege, but also a significant moment as it marks another first and an important step forward for the Worcestershire Independent Group. It shows the continued growth of our group and demonstrates that independent voices can play a key role in delivering for residents.

Housing is one of the most important issues facing people across our town. Whether it’s ensuring families have access to safe and affordable homes, tackling homelessness, improving housing standards, or supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community, I know how important this role is.

I want residents to know that I will work tirelessly on their behalf. I will listen, engage and work hard to make sure housing needs across Redditch are taken seriously and that those facing homelessness or housing difficulties receive the support they deserve.

As an Independent, one thing I want to make absolutely clear is that every decision I make in this role will be resident-led. I’m not tied to national party politics or driven by agendas set in Westminster. My focus will always be on what is right for the people of Redditch and what delivers the best outcomes for our communities.

Every resident deserves the security and dignity of having a place to call home, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help deliver positive change for our town.

I look forward to getting started and working with colleagues, partners and residents to make a real difference for Redditch.

26/05/2026

* Rumours were true at Redditch Council *

The rumours have now come to fruition. Conservative Cllr Matt Dormer has been voted in as the new Leader of Redditch Borough Council, backed by the Redditch Conservative Group, Reform councillors, and three Independents. This cross‑party alignment marks a significant shift in the balance of power.

In a further development, Reforms Cllr Sue Eacock has been appointed to the position of Mayor, signalling a decisive break from the previous administration.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire Independent Group’s own Cllr Ashley Monk has been appointed Portfolio Holder for Housing, placing one of the council’s most critical responsibilities now under new leadership.

For Labour, it was a disappointing night, not only losing control of the administration but also losing almost all committee seats, drastically reducing their influence over council decision‑making.

What is emerging is a centre‑right alignment of political groups agreeing on a shared strategy to remove Labour from control. Whether this cooperation becomes a long‑term governing partnership remains to be seen, but its immediate impact is already clear.

With unitary elections approaching in 2027, this marks the beginning of a pivotal year for Redditch. The new administration will now have to step up, deliver, and be counted as they set the direction for the borough’s future.

*Image is for illustration only.

26/05/2026

* Redditch Borough AGM - all to play for *

The Redditch Council AGM tonight is set to be one of the most unpredictable in years. With no party holding a majority, control of the administration will come down to deals, alliances, and last‑minute decisions on the chamber floor.

The leader and Mayor will be voted on along with committee positions. The leader will also announce cabinet positions.

The 27 councillors are split as follows:
Labour — 13
Reform — 7
Conservatives — 4
Independents — 3

To take control:
*Labour need support from at least one other group, or a single Independent.
*Conservatives need Reform and all three Independents.
*Reform need the Conservatives and all three Independents.

Every route to power relies on someone else blinking first.

So the questions hanging over tonight are simple:
*Have Labour secured the backing of an Independent?
*Have the Conservatives persuaded Reform to vote with them?
*Will the Independents act together, or split?

The only certainty is that nothing is certain.
All eyes will be on the vote for Leader. After that, the real gossip begins.

21/05/2026

* List of WCC Cabinet Members *

Below is a list of the WCC Cabinet members and their portfolio of responsibility.

*Leader and Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Local Government Reorganisation, Transformation and Government Lobbying - Councillor Matt Jenkins

*Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Finance, Corporate Services and Business - Councillor Adam Kent

*Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care - Councillor Mel Allcott

*Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families - Councillor Natalie McVey

*Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment and Communities - Councillor Josh Robinson

*Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education, SEND and Skills - Councillor Dan Boatright-Greene

*Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing - Councillor Alan Bailes

Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport - Councillor Tom Wells

For those that are interested, the political persuasion it is made up of 2 Greens, 2 Independents, 1 Conservative & 3 Lib Dem’s.

*image is for illustration only.

21/05/2026

* My first duty as Chair of OSPB *

Today’s Worcestershire County Council cabinet meeting began with understandable uncertainty with three different parties stepping forward to form a new administration. This is no small moment.

But what emerged was genuinely positive.

There is now, on the record, a commitment to work together. That cooperation is essential if Worcestershire is to pull itself back from the brink. No resident wants to face another 9% council tax rise, and nobody wants decisions about our county made by consultants from Westminster who have never lived here, let alone walked our communities. If it isn’t fixed, that is a likely outcome.

As the new Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board (OSPB) my responsibility is clear.

Every plan, every proposal, every strategy will be examined in full detail. No stone will be left unturned.

The OSPB remit covers all cabinet portfolio holders, the leadership team, and the Council’s senior officers and management.

OSPB has a 14‑member committee with complete political balance. It can and will call on officers and Councillors to explain their actions. There will be no room for excuses or avoiding difficult questions.

At a time when every pound counts, every taxpayer penny must deliver genuine value for money.

I have already called upon the new administration to look deeper into contracts with 3rd party suppliers. We owe it to every single resident to ensure that we are not just opting for the easy route.

If you want to supply the Council, tell us why you should? Tell us what the benefits are and tell us you’ll provide the services at the right price. The days of overinflated quotes from large corporations are gone.

What I took from today though is simple.
All 57 Councillors can, and must, put differences aside to make this work…starting now.

*image is for illustration only.

19/05/2026

* Redditch Drop in Sessions *

In the coming fortnight, the Worcestershire Independent Group will be hosting two short community sessions with one in Winyates, and one in Batchley.

These will be focused, resident‑led conversations about the issues that matter most locally.

The sessions will be an open forum and an opportunity to raise any local concerns.

Hope to see you there.

16/05/2026

* Cllr Jones joins Independent Group *

I am delighted to confirm that Cllr Matthew Jones has joined the Worcestershire Independent Group.

Matthew joins us because he shares our commitment to putting residents first, free from any national political ideology or party line.

He brings real strengths to the group:
• a willingness to listen,
• a deep passion for his local area,
• and a relentless drive to help those in need.

With Matthew’s arrival, the Worcestershire Independent Group now stands at four councillors on the County Council, and we expect further growth.

I know Matthew well. He will add genuine value to the group and, like the rest of us, is determined to remove the political circus from local government so we can focus on the job in front of us.

Welcome to the group, Councillor.