Reform came to power one year ago in Worcestershire – and nobody can deny it has been lively.
At the time they had 27 councillors, two short of an overall majority but comfortably enough to govern as a minority administration.
Since then one councillor has resigned due to ill health, another quit the party on live TV, and now the “two Monks” are out, leaving Reform with just 23 of the 57.
They are still the largest party by some distance – the main opposition are the Conservatives with 12 – but the question is whether they can unite and halt the infighting.
Independent councillor David Taylor – a former Reform cabinet member – is known to be in talks about forming a new breakaway group of unhappy Reform councillors, muddying the picture further.
The BBC understands at least eight current or former Reform councillors could be part of it.
There is also the prospect of another contender emerging from the opposition ranks, although it would likely require the support of the 10-strong Green and Independent Alliance, as well as the seven Lib Dems and the Conservatives.
The picture is fragmented, but something will have to give on Thursday.
