Councillors approved the small reshuffle of committee chairs during a meeting.

The City of Doncaster Council has appointed Reform UK deputy leader Councillor Russ Linley to chair the authority’s audit committee, following the resignation of his predecessor.

Coun Linley takes over from Coun Jason Charity, whose resignation from the position was confirmed in the agenda for the full council meeting held on September 24, 2026.

In a statement, Coun Charity had said his resignation was to avoid any perceived ‘conflict of interest’ amid ‘unresolved’ matters between himself and the council’s senior leadership.

Russ Linley, deputy leader of Reform UK Doncaster. | Reform UK

placeholder image — Russ Linley, deputy leader of Reform UK Doncaster. | Reform UK

Coun Charity also previously served as Reform UK Doncaster’s deputy leader, under its previous head Coun Craig Ward.

The latter was ousted from his leadership position by new leader Coun Howard Rimmer, following a leadership challenge in May 2026.

Coun Linley was the only nomination for chair of audit committee as the Labour and Conservative groups opted not to put members forward.

Councillor Jason Charity has been replaced as chair of audit committee. | Iconic

The council also appointed a new chair for the elections and democratic structures committee after the resignation of Coun Rachel Reed.

She was replaced by Bessacarr ward’s Coun Chris Kidger, a long-time ally and supporter of Coun Reed.

Coun Reed, who, like Coun Charity, represents Conisbrough ward, has been a stalwart of the Reform UK group since it was elected to a majority on the council.

Rachel Reed, Reform UK councillor for Conisbrough. | Rachel Reed

She served as deputy leader to Coun Guy Aston until October 2026, but remained in his leadership team as the group press officer.

Coun Reed has remained in that position under every Reform UK leader since, the councillor in the party to do so.

She confirmed she had resigned as chair of the EDSC in a statement, saying: “I have made the decision to step down as Chair of the Elections and Democratic Structures Committee so that I can dedicate more of my time to representing the residents of Conisbrough and Denaby.

“I take the role of Chair seriously, and I believe it deserves the time and commitment required to do it properly. With an increasing workload in my ward, I have decided that my priority must be the residents who elected me.”

Coun Reed said she remains ‘fully committed’ to her role as ward councillor for Conisbrough.