Labour MP Melanie Onn has written to Reform UK chair Lee Anderson demanding answers over why a North East Lincolnshire councillor remains in a senior safety role after appearing in court amid an ongoing police investigation.
Onn, who represents Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said the case raised serious questions about the standards Reform UK applies to its elected representatives, and whether interim steps should have been taken while legal proceedings continue.
The letter concerns Councillor James Sawkins, the Reform member for Waltham who continues to serve as North East Lincolnshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities. The council's website still lists him in that Cabinet role.
Onn said:
"I understand that Cllr Sawkins is subject to an ongoing police investigation and that criminal proceedings have been listed before the magistrates' court."
She stressed that she was not commenting on the merits of the allegations or prejudging the outcome. Her focus, she said, was whether Reform had considered "appropriate interim arrangements" covering both his party and council responsibilities.
Court appearance and reported allegations
Local reporting says Sawkins appeared before Hull Magistrates' Court on 17 September. The allegations reported include offences relating to concealing criminal property, administering a noxious substance with intent, supplying an unauthorised medical product and possession of Class A drugs.
No finding of guilt has been made. The allegations remain before the courts, and Sawkins is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Onn has asked whether Reform UK's national headquarters knew about the arrest and subsequent court proceedings, and if so why Sawkins was not suspended while the investigation continues.
She wrote:
"Given the seriousness of these matters, I am seeking clarification as to whether Reform UK head office was aware of the arrest and subsequent court proceedings."
She also questioned why he continues to hold the safer and stronger communities portfolio, which covers community safety, enforcement and regulatory services.
Conflict of interest warning
Council records show Sawkins remains both a Reform councillor and a Cabinet member responsible for Safer and Stronger Communities.
Onn argued that leaving him in that position while the investigation is ongoing creates what she called a "serious conflict of interest" and risks damaging public confidence in the authority.
She contrasted the case with the Reform administration's earlier willingness to remove another portfolio holder after separate allegations, asking why a different approach appeared to have been taken here.
Reform control since May
Reform UK took control of North East Lincolnshire Council after this year's local elections, with Councillor Oliver Freeston becoming leader.
Onn said the party had promised a more transparent and accountable administration, and argued that its handling of the Sawkins case should be judged against that pledge.
She has copied her letter to Freeston and called on both national Reform figures and local leadership to set out their position.
No Reform response yet
No public response from Reform UK or Lee Anderson addressing Onn's questions was located at the time of writing.
Onn's intervention is therefore focused not on determining guilt, but on whether Reform UK should have suspended a senior councillor from party and council responsibilities while serious allegations are before the courts.
