Reform UK has launched a major campaign offensive across Cambridgeshire ahead of the May 7 local elections, deploying two of its most prominent figures in a bid to secure breakthrough results.
The party has confirmed that Peter Reeve will contest Peterborough, while Ryan Coogan stands in Huntingdonshire—two areas now seen as crucial battlegrounds.
Experienced candidate targets Peterborough
Peter Reeve, an MBE recipient with decades of experience in public service, is widely recognised across the region for his work in local government.
His campaign is expected to focus heavily on community representation and local delivery, with party insiders confident he can convert reputation into votes.
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He is a long-standing British local government politician, best known for his work in Cambridgeshire politics, particularly through UKIP and later independent/local government roles.
Political background and roles
- By the late 2000s, Reeve was active in local government, serving as a councillor in Cambridgeshire.
- He was the UKIP group leader on Huntingdonshire District Council and also held roles including UKIP Eastern region organiser.
- He has served as a councillor across multiple levels of local government, including Cambridgeshire County Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, and Ramsey Town Council.
Early local government impact (2011)
- In 2011, he was involved in UKIP gaining control of Ramsey Town Council, where UKIP won a majority of seats.
- Reeve described the party’s approach as focused on “localism,” community volunteering, and supporting small local initiatives.
Rise in UKIP and national local government influence (2014)
- By 2014, he was described as a senior UKIP local government figure, serving as deputy leader of the LGA Independent group.
- He commented on growing councillor defections to UKIP, noting increasing interest from former Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and Labour councillors.
- He argued UKIP could become a significant force in local government, comparable to earlier Liberal Democrat local influence.
Public controversy (2015)
- In 2015, Reeve attracted controversy after comments on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire related to public attitudes toward homosexuality and Tyson Fury’s remarks.
- UKIP later stated his comments were personal and not party policy.
Recognition and civic work (2017)
- In the 2017 New Year Honours, he was awarded an MBE for services to community and local government.
- His work included community campaigns such as reopening public toilets, promoting local business initiatives, and community clean-up efforts.
Rising political voice eyes Huntingdonshire
Ryan Coogan, a former councillor and business leader based in Huntingdon, enters the race with growing momentum. Following a high-profile mayoral campaign across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, he has built strong name recognition and grassroots support.
He is a Reform UK politician and campaigner active in Cambridgeshire politics, who has stood in both parliamentary and mayoral elections.
Electoral record
- 2024 General Election (East Cambridgeshire)
- Stood as Reform UK candidate
- Finished 4th
- Received 6,443 votes (12.3% vote share)
- 2025 Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mayoral Election
- Stood as Reform UK candidate
- Finished 2nd place
- Won 49,647 votes (23.4%)
- Came ahead of Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green candidates, but behind the Conservative winner
Background and personal history
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- Grew up in Soham, Cambridgeshire
- Attended Soham Village College
- Has lived in Cambridgeshire for over 35 years
- Describes himself as having worked in roles including:
- campaigner for social justice
- business and negotiation roles
- environmentalist
- businessman and philanthropist
- “complex dispute manager”
Political priorities (as stated in 2024 coverage)
His stated focus is broadly framed around improving wellbeing and public services:
- Improving health, wealth, family life, and happiness
- Reforming what he describes as:
- inefficient GP services
- economic stagnation
- cost of living pressures
- excessive bureaucracy
He links these goals to Reform UK’s wider agenda of systemic reform.
Policy positions (mayoral campaign)
Based on BBC coverage, his platform included:
Transport
- Creation of a new authority: “Transport for Greater Cambridgeshire”
- Reopening Mill Road bridge , Cambridge, to motor traffic
- Major upgrades to key roads (A10, A1, A14, A11, M11, A47)
- Proposal for a “Great East Road” project
Energy and Net Zero
- Opposition to current Net Zero policies, which he claims harm the economy
- Support for nuclear and hydrogen energy
- Opposition to large solar and wind farms on “prime agricultural land”
Tax and spending
- Proposal for an “efficiency team” to cut public spending
- Aim of keeping taxes low
Economic development
- Creation of a business start-up and growth fund
- Support for a Cambridgeshire Business Network
- Development of a high-tech innovation cluster and AI/big data hub
Overall profile
Ryan Coogan presents as a Reform UK-aligned insurgent candidate focused on:
- Transport infrastructure expansion
- Anti–Net Zero economic messaging
- Pro-business, low-tax policy
- Government efficiency and spending reduction
Electorally, he has shown rapid growth in support, moving from a modest parliamentary result in 2024 to a strong second-place finish in a 2025 mayoral contest, indicating increasing local recognition.
Reform UK eyes breakthrough
The push forms part of Reform UK’s wider national strategy to establish a foothold in local government. With candidates standing across all districts up for election, the party is positioning itself as a serious challenger.
A spokesperson said: “Cambridgeshire is a key battleground for Reform UK. With candidates like Peter Reeve and Ryan Coogan, we are putting forward experienced, capable individuals who understand their communities and are ready to deliver.”
With polls expected to be tightly contested, Reform UK believes it can make significant gains and build long-term influence across the county.
