16/06/2026
Statement from Reform UK South West Hertfordshire Branch .
The election for Three Rivers District Council took place on 7 May 2026, with the count being held on 8 May 2026 at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth.
During the count, one of Reform UK South West Hertfordshire's candidates conducted himself in a manner that fell far below the standards expected of anyone seeking elected office.
The incident began following an altercation involving a disabled Labour councillor. It was alleged by those present that Mr Smith directed a derogatory remark towards the councillor concerning her disability. The allegation caused considerable concern among attendees and led to complaints being raised with election officials.
In response to those concerns, Presiding Officer Joanne Wagstaff sought to address the matter in a professional and measured manner. She invited Mr Smith to accompany her to the foyer so that the issue could be discussed away from the count floor and so that he could provide his account of events. Witnesses reported that Mr Smith refused repeated requests to do so and became involved in a further confrontation with Ms Wagstaff.
The situation continued to escalate, causing disruption to the count and concern among attendees. Security staff were ultimately required to intervene and es**rt Mr Smith from the count floor into the foyer after he declined to comply with requests from election officials. Following further discussions, security staff es**rted him from the premises altogether.
A number of witnesses described Mr Smith's conduct throughout the incident as aggressive, confrontational and wholly inappropriate for a candidate seeking public office. Several attendees reported feeling uncomfortable and concerned by his behaviour, while some of those directly involved were left upset by the incident.
Following the incident, and with the support of local Reform UK branch officers, Taylor Smith was suspended from the party pending a full investigation into the matter.
Concerns regarding Mr Smith's conduct were further reinforced later that evening following a separate incident at a local public house, where he verbally confronted the Branch Chairman in front of multiple witnesses. Those present described the exchange as hostile and unnecessary, particularly given the public setting in which it occurred.
Prior to his suspension, Mr Smith continued to make public statements to the local press without any authority or approval from the branch. Despite being advised that he had no mandate to speak on behalf of Reform UK South West Hertfordshire, he chose to do so regardless. Furthermore, he showed no remorse for his actions and instead appeared to take satisfaction in the disruption that had been caused.
Reform UK South West Hertfordshire does not tolerate behaviour of this nature. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for all individuals. There is no place within our branch, or within our party, for conduct that is disrespectful, intimidating or discriminatory towards women, disabled people, or anyone else.
We believe that swift action was necessary to protect the reputation and values of our party and to demonstrate that such conduct will not be tolerated.
We sincerely apologise to all those who were affected by this regrettable situation and thank them for their patience and understanding.
We understand that Taylor Smith has since announced that he has joined Restore Britain.
Chairman. Keith Steers.
