Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has delivered a stunning performance in England’s local elections. The party cemented its position as a serious challenger to Britain’s traditional parties. The insurgent party won 677 of approximately 1,600 contested seats across predominantly Conservative held councils. These were last contested in 2021. These results confirm Reform UK’s rise as a major political force that cannot be ignored.
In a series of dramatic victories, Reform seized control of eight local authorities from the Conservatives. This included former Tory strongholds Kent and Staffordshire. In particular, the stunning performance in Doncaster and Durham shows Reform UK’s widening appeal. The party also made significant inroads into Labour territory. They took control of Doncaster Council and overturned Labour’s previous dominance in Durham. Reform UK’s stunning performance confirms its rise as a major political force. It has a widening appeal across traditional party lines.
One of the night’s most dramatic moments came in Runcorn. Reform candidate Sarah Pochin won a tightly contested Westminster by-election by just six votes. She became the party’s fifth MP. The victory displaced Labour in an area they had previously held. This demonstrates Reform’s ability to compete in diverse constituencies. Meanwhile, the impressive victory at the newly created combined authorities of Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire further highlights Reform UK’s stunning performance.
The Conservative Party suffered catastrophic losses, dropping 676 seats. They also lost control of all 16 councils they had been defending. These elections, held mainly in rural and suburban areas, marked the first major electoral test since Labour’s landslide general election victory last year. While the Tories had anticipated difficult results, the scale of their defeat exceeded even the gloomiest predictions. Their sole consolation came from capturing the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough mayoralty from Labour. This was in an otherwise disastrous night.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the seismic results with a simple acknowledgment: “I get it.” He recognized the “sharp edge of fury” from voters abandoning traditional parties. He also pledged to accelerate delivery of Labour’s promised reforms on public services, immigration, and cost-of-living pressures. Meanwhile, a triumphant Nigel Farage declared that Reform had now overtaken the Conservatives. They are now the main opposition to Labour nationally, buoyed by the stunning performance.
With council takeovers, mayoral victories, and a growing parliamentary presence, Reform UK’s stunning performance confirms its rise as a major political force. They are reshaping British politics. As the party continues building momentum, its ability to draw support from both Conservative and Labour voters suggests the political upheaval may just be beginning.
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