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Council relationships ‘badly eroded’, says review
An independent review has found that relationships and trust within Doncaster Council have been badly eroded, and called for changes to its culture and decision-making. It said governance had been significantly tested since Reform UK won an overall majority in the May 2025 elections, while the directly elected Labour mayor retains key decision-making powers.
The review described tensions between councillors and senior officers, who had become cautious about sharing information, and recommended clearer protocols, training, a shadow cabinet and cross-party work on the budget. Reform group infighting over Doncaster Sheffield Airport has also caused upheaval. Leaders from all parties, including Mayor Ros Jones and Reform leader Howard Rimmer, said they accepted the recommendations and would work to implement them.
In short
- Review says relationships and trust at Doncaster Council have been badly eroded.
- It recommends a shadow cabinet and cross-party budget planning.
- All party leaders say they accept the recommendations.
Explained simply
Doncaster Council is run by elected councillors, while Doncaster’s mayor is elected separately and has powers over some major decisions. In May 2025, Reform UK won a majority of the council seats, while Labour’s Ros Jones remained mayor.
Councillors set policy and approve budgets, and council officers provide professional advice and carry out decisions. Tensions between the two groups, alongside disagreements within Reform over Doncaster Sheffield Airport, form part of the background to concerns about how the council works.
The review’s recommendations include clearer rules for sharing information, training, a shadow cabinet and joint work across parties on the budget. The council’s political leaders, including Jones and Reform leader Howard Rimmer, have said they accept the recommendations.