A Reform UK councillor in Wakefield has quit as the chair of a scrutiny committee amid claims he has been suspended by the party pending an investigation into his conduct.

Wakefield Council has confirmed Jacob Padget has resigned from his role at the helm of the authority’s adult services and health overview and scrutiny committee.

On Monday, Reform’s Wakefield branch issued a statement saying Coun Padget had been suspended from the party “with immediate effect” while an internal inquiry was carried out.

But a spokesman for the party nationally denied Coun Padget’s suspension, saying: “He’s not been suspended by the party. Only the central party can suspend members.

Jacob Padget has resigned as chair of Wakefield Council's adult services and health overview and scrutiny committee. LDRS image

placeholder image — Jacob Padget has resigned as chair of Wakefield Council's adult services and health overview and scrutiny committee. LDRS image

“The branch does not have the power to unilaterally suspend people.”

A statement issued on Monday by the Reform UK Wakefield District group said: “We promised voters transparency, accountability and straight talking – and that is exactly what we intend to provide.

“Coun Jacob Padget has been suspended from Reform UK and the party whip has been removed with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation.”

The statement described Coun Padget’s alleged actions as “not representative” of the Wakefield group, councillors, “or the values and standards we expect from those elected under our banner.”

It added: “We have acted immediately upon the matter being drawn to our attention.

“We believe that public representatives must be accountable for their actions, and that the public deserves confidence that concerns will be dealt with promptly and properly.

“We will provide a further update when the internal investigation has concluded and it is appropriate to do so.”

When contacted, Coun Padget said he did not want to comment at this stage.

Coun Padget has represented Featherstone ward since May when the party took control of the council from Labour at the local elections and he was appointed a scrutiny committee chair soon after.

Gillian Marshall, Wakefield Council’s chief legal officer, said: “Coun Padget has resigned as chair of the adult services and health overview and scrutiny committee.

“At the next meeting, the committee will elect a chair for the meeting from within their membership and a report will go to the next full council meeting to appoint a permanent chair.”