A head-to-head battle for the leadership of Reform UK in North Northamptonshire has seen leader Martin Griffiths retain his position, with second-placed McDonald magnanimous in defeat.

As first reported by the Northants Telegraph earlier this week, deputy leader of the North Northamptonshire Reform group Eddie McDonald launched a bid to overthrow his boss, Martin Griffiths.

McDonald was said to be upset that his role of deputy was no longer being supported by the administration, and instead fellow Corby member Graham Cheatley was going to be handed the job.

So he threw his hat in the ring for leadership.

Leadership challenger Eddie McDonald (left) with fellow councillors dubbed the 'Corby Gang' earlier this week by an ally of his rival Martin Griffiths. Image: Alison Bagley

placeholder image — Leadership challenger Eddie McDonald (left) with fellow councillors dubbed the 'Corby Gang' earlier this week by an ally of his rival Martin Griffiths. Image: Alison Bagley

An annual general meeting at Kettering’s Bowling Green Road council offices this evening (Tuesday, April 14) saw Reform UK members gather to vote for the man they wanted to run the local group for the next year.

McDonald pulled up in the car park with his supporters, dubbed the ‘Corby gang’ by an ally of Griffiths earlier this week. He told our reporter he was ‘feeling confident’.

NNC executive member Kirk Harrison said the vote was an ‘unhelpful situation, and highly unexpected by most of us.’ He said he was waiting with ‘bated breath’ to hear why McDonald had called the contest.

And after a 40-minute showdown, during which both men were given five minutes to state their case before a group-wide debate, Martin Griffiths emerged as the winner, with 28 votes to McDonald’s 12.

Martin Griffiths following his victory in tonight's vote. Image: Alison Bagley

There were 40 councillors voting as breakaway Darren Rance, who recently left to go to Rupert Lowe’s Restore Party was readmitted to the Reform UK fold before the meeting.

It was a closer result than Griffith’s allies had predicted but still a convincing win for the sitting leader who still has to be voted leader of the council at the authority’s AGM on May 21.

Graham Cheatley stood unopposed as deputy leader and was elected.

Members have emerged from the meeting at 8.30pm and a smiling and conciliatory second-placed McDonald told our reporter: “We came, we voted, we counted”.

Cllrs Leon Gibbs and Maurice Eglin looking relaxed before tonight's meeting. Image: Alison Bagley

The council leader role attracts a £45,000 allowance and the chance to decide the direction of the local party – and in turn the council – for the next year.

Griffiths has been leader since Reform UK swept to victory in North Northamptonshire less than a year ago.