A Reform UK councillor in North East Lincolnshire has quit the party after being sacked from the council's cabinet amid allegations of financial mismanagement linked to a Christmas Ball she organised. Tanya Brasted, who represents the West Marsh ward, denies any wrongdoing and says she has "nothing to hide", while council leader Oliver Freeston says he lost "trust and confidence" in her after discrepancies emerged over the event's finances. The dispute highlights internal tensions within Reform-led councils as the party manages its rapid expansion following May's local elections.

Freeston alleges the Christmas Ball, organised by Brasted, was reported to have made a profit before it later emerged there was none, prompting an investigation; he also accuses her of trying to halt the inquiry, including via a letter he suggested was "generated by ChatGPT", and of involvement in secretly recording a private group meeting. Brasted rejects both claims, saying expenses left a smaller-than-expected surplus, that she received no guidance on running the event, and that she was on holiday during the recording in question, having merely asked another councillor to update her on what was discussed. She remains on the council as an independent, and Reform UK has been contacted for comment.