A Reform UK councillor has been jailed for a campaign of coercive and controlling behaviour spanning nearly a decade, in a case that has triggered a by-election and renewed scrutiny of the party’s vetting procedures.
Taylor, 35, of Margate, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment at Margate Magistrates’ Court on 20 February after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour. The court heard that the offending dated back to either 2014 or 2016 and continued over a sustained period during his marriage.
Prosecutors outlined a pattern of psychological abuse in which Taylor belittled his wife, undermined her confidence and sought to dominate her day-to-day life. He repeatedly demanded access to her mobile phone, scrutinising messages and contacts. He isolated her from friends and social circles, exerting pressure designed to cut her off from outside support.
More disturbingly, the court was told that Taylor made threats including saying he would hunt her “like prey” and burn her alive in the boot of a car. While the prosecution accepted there was no evidence he intended to carry out those threats, magistrates heard that their purpose was to instil fear and reinforce control.
Coercive and controlling behaviour has been a specific criminal offence in England and Wales since 2015, reflecting a broader understanding that domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. Campaigners have long argued that patterns of intimidation, surveillance and isolation can be just as damaging, leaving victims feeling trapped and powerless.
Taylor had been elected as a Reform UK councillor in May 2025, representing Cliftonville. He was suspended by the party shortly after details of the allegations emerged. Following his guilty plea, he was expelled from Reform UK altogether.
As a result of his conviction and custodial sentence, Taylor will now lose his council seat, prompting a by-election in Cliftonville. The development has led to questions locally about the robustness of Reform UK’s candidate selection and background checks, particularly given the length of time over which the offending occurred.
Opposition figures have said the case raises serious concerns about due diligence, asking how conduct stretching back years went undetected prior to his election. Reform UK has yet to set out in detail what vetting processes were undertaken before Taylor was selected to stand.
For residents in Cliftonville, the immediate consequence is a fresh trip to the polls. For the wider political landscape, the episode is likely to intensify debate over candidate scrutiny and the responsibilities of parties to ensure those seeking public office meet the standards expected of elected representatives.
