Police investigating alleged assault on Reform councillor

Thursday, 26 June 2025 13:37

By George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter / Adam Clark

Rochdale’s only Reform councillor says he was subjected to a terrifying attack.

Coun Jordan Tarrant-Short says he was ‘repeatedly punched in the head’ on Tuesday night (June 24), in what he believes to be a politically motivated assault. The Balderstone and Kirklholt representative was shaken by the incident, which left him with swelling and light bruising to the head.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are investigating reports of an assault, which took place on Bury Street in Heywood.

Speaking after the incident, Coun Tarrant-Short said:

“I was attacked by a member of the public that wasn’t happy I was a member of Reform UK, which resulted in him punching me repeatedly in the head.

“In my opinion this was a politically motivated attack.

“The matter is now with the police for them to investigate and don’t wish to comment further until the police have concluded their investigation.”

Coun Tarrant-Short became Reform’s second elected Greater Manchester councillor after taking the Balderstone and Kirkholt seat. He now sits on Rochdale Council following his victory at the council by-election in May.

A GMP spokesperson said:

“Police are investigating an assault that is alleged to have occurred on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at premises on Bury Street in Heywood.

“We are gathering CCTV evidence and testimonies as we look to determine the circumstances around the incident reported.”

The alleged assault has prompted concern from Rochdale Borough Council, which referenced its commitment to protecting elected officials. A spokesperson told Roch Valley Radio:

"Anyone should be able to feel safe carrying out their business as an elected representative, regardless of political affiliation. In March 2023 the council voted to support the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Debate Not Hate campaign which aims to encourage healthy debate and improve support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation. The LGA found seven in 10 councillors experienced abuse and intimidation. This undermines democracy, preventing elected members from representing their communities, deterring individuals from standing as candidates and undermines trust in the democratic process."

Reform UK also issued a statement condemning the alleged violence. A party spokesperson told Roch Valley Radio:

"We understand that one of our councillors has been subject to a politically motivated attack and that this matter is now being investigated by the police. Reform UK condemns all forms of violence."