Anti-immigrant Reform UK makes broad gains in English local elections

The Reform UK party has made significant strides in the recent English local elections, achieving control of multiple councils and winning a notable parliamentary byelection. This surge reflects widespread discontent with both Labour and Conservatives, with Reform capturing over 30% of the vote. Key leader Nigel Farage claims the party has taken the role of the main opposition. Traditionally strong Labour seats are now vulnerable, as seen in Runcorn and Helsby’s byelection loss, prompting leader Keir Starmer to acknowledge the need for swift reforms to address voter expectations.

"The combined vote for Labour and the Conservatives looked set to fall well below 50%, the first time that has happened in modern political history."

"In some counties in the Midlands and the north of England, Reform won more than 60% of the vote, capitalising on disillusionment with the Labour government."

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