The newly elected and now suspended Reform UK councillor for Ham has refused to confirm whether he will formally accept office.
Ben Rowe was elected to represent Ham ward in last week’s local elections after receiving 1,649 votes.
But just days after winning his seat, Reform UK suspended Ben Rowe from their party pending an investigation.
The suspension followed historic social media posts allegedly shared by Mr Rowe, including posts said to contain Islamophobic content.
Mr Rowe was not present at the election count when the Ham ward result was declared, and he has also not attended the Council House with the other newly elected councillors, who have now officially taken office.
Plymouth Plus gave Mr Rowe the right to reply to the question on whether he will be accepting office on Plymouth City Council.
But despite this, Mr Rowe declined to comment and his silence now leaves a major question over whether he will take up the role the public elected him to do.
Under the Local Government Act 1972, councillors must make a declaration of acceptance of office within two months of being elected.
Mr Rowe was elected on 7 May 2026, meaning he now has until 7 July 2026 to make a declaration.
If he does not accept office by then, his seat on the council would become vacant and a by-election would be triggered.
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