It was reported on 19 September that John Allen, who was elected as a Reform UK councillor in Ashington and who lost his seat having not turned up to a single council meeting for six months was paid £18,888. What is more, is that he could earn the same amount again after putting himself forward to stand in the by-election he triggered.
John Allen was elected to Northumberland County Council to represent Ashington’s Hirst ward in May 2025.
The authority stated that every one of its elected councillors that year, had been paid the sum to cover duties, constituency work, postage and stationery. This included Allen who did not turn up to a single meeting.
Former Reform UK member Allen was expelled from the party in 2025 following allegations he made online comments saying he wanted to shoot the then Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Threat to shoot the then Prime Minister
It had previously been noted in September 2025, that Allen was elected as a Reform UK councillor, but had been suspended from the party. This followed allegations he made online comments threatening to kill the then prime minister Keir Starmer.
Allen at the time was said to be being investigated by Reform UK, after a YouTube comment he made saying that he would shoot Sir Keir Starmer if given the chance.
It was said that campaign group Hope not Hate discovered that the username on the account on which the comments were made was said to be @johnallen7807.
A Reform UK spokesperson also confirmed last September hat Allen had been suspended “pending investigation”.
Allen loses his seat, but plans to stand in by-election
It was then reported on 7 September this year, that Allen had lost his seat, due to his non-attendance at council meetings. He had been sitting as an independent councillor.
It was also reported that Allen was intending to stand as an independent in the very by-election that had been triggered by his non-attendance. Now he has been awarded nearly £19 000 despite having not attended any meetings for six months between February and August this year.
Another Reform-linked scandal
Scandals, which in one way or another involve Reform UK in the North East seem to come at us thick and fast these days.
Serious questions must be asked of a party in terms of just what extent are they are a political party genuinely prepared to serve the public and to what extent they are only in politics for themselves.
People in this country, and including in many parts of our region, are facing many tough struggles at present. When they elect a representative, they need to know that they are electing a serious person who will take their job and its responsibilities seriously.
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