Reform Lancashire Appoints Russell Walsh as New Group Whip

Reform Lancashire Appoints Russell Walsh as New Group Whip

Reform Lancashire is pleased to announce that Councillor Russell Walsh, County Councillor for Morecambe North, has been appointed as the new Reform Lancashire Group Whip, succeeding Councillor Luke Parker.

Elected to Lancashire County Council in May 2025, Russell also serves on Morecambe Town Council. Raised in Morecambe and having spent most of his working life in the town, he brings a strong understanding of Lancashire’s communities, public services and the importance of getting value for taxpayers’ money. His move into politics followed years of seeing poor decisions made that failed local people.

Russell’s career reflects a real, working Lancashire background. He has served in the RAF, worked as a publican, amateur thespian and owned a successful local business, Potts’ Pies. While supplying Morecambe Football Club, his business was awarded Best Pies in the Football League and later featured on national television with the Hairy Bikers, showcasing Lancashire produce to a wider audience.

While working at Lancaster City Council, Russell combined practical experience with formal study, earning a Food Safety and Legislation Foundation Degree from Birmingham University and at the same time training as a Barber at Lancaster and Morecambe College.

This mix of hands-on work, public service and real-world problem-solving experience informs his approach as a County Councillor and Group Whip.

He now runs his own barbershop in Bare, alongside his role as a County Councillor. In 2025, he published his debut children’s bedtime book, The Girl in the Settee, inspired by the Covid period that affected families across Lancashire.

As Russell explains:

^{“My daughter inspired this book. During Covid, she was always glued to the settee, and it sparked the story in my mind!”}

Russell is married with two children and values family life, hard work and community. Outside politics, his interests include fitness, travel, reading, writing, nature documentaries and music.

Speaking about his priorities, CC Russell Walsh said:

^{“At the end of any political term, people’s lives should not be harder. Families across Lancashire work hard and deserve councils that respect their money and make sensible decisions. Morecambe has the potential to be a jewel of the North and prospects like the Eden Project and the restoration of the Winter Gardens Theatre are once-in-a-generation opportunities for both the town and the wider county. Supporting local businesses and spending taxpayers’ money wisely must always come first.”}

As Group Whip, Russell will be responsible for keeping the Reform Lancashire group united, disciplined and effective at County Hall.

His role will focus on maintaining high standards of conduct, supporting and mentoring councillors, coordinating group business and ensuring that Reform councillors work together to challenge poor decision-making and deliver better outcomes for Lancashire residents.

Russell has said he is excited to take on the role and is looking forward to getting stuck in as Reform Lancashire continues to grow and make its voice heard at County Hall.

Reform Lancashire would also like to place on record its sincere thanks to Councillor Luke Parker for his excellent work as Group Whip.

Luke has played a key role in supporting backbench councillors and strengthening the group’s presence within the council. His leadership and commitment have left the group in a stronger position and his contribution is greatly appreciated.

CC Luke Parker said:

^{“It has been a genuine honour to serve as Group Whip for Reform Lancashire, particularly in what is the Party’s flagship council and largest majority-holding authority. I am grateful to the Leader and Deputy Leader for placing their trust in me and giving me the opportunity to help shape and strengthen the group during an important period of growth.}

^{I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with our leadership team, fellow councillors and Democratic Services officers to support backbench members and help ensure the group operated effectively at County Hall.}

^{The role carries significant responsibility and, alongside my commitments on seven Lancashire committees and an external role with the Local Government Association, I felt it was the right time to step back from the Whip position and refocus my efforts where I can add the greatest value.}

^{I am delighted that Councillor Russell Walsh has accepted the role. He was the only person I recommended to leadership as having the character, work ethic and balance required for the position. I am confident he will do an excellent job and I look forward to supporting him and the wider group as Reform continues to grow and deliver for Lancashire residents.”}