Overview

• Nigel Farage has stated that Reform UK has no intention of forming coalitions with the Conservatives at any level, including local councils.
• Kemi Badenoch, while rejecting national deals with Reform UK, has suggested local Conservative leaders may pursue coalitions or agreements to address potential hung councils after the May 1 elections.
• Polling indicates that several councils are likely to result in no overall control, prompting discussions about possible confidence-and-supply arrangements between parties.
• Reform UK is fielding its largest slate of candidates yet, with many former Conservatives among its ranks, increasing pressure on the Tory Party in key areas.
• Critics, including Labour and Liberal Democrat leaders, warn that any Tory-Reform collaboration could exacerbate existing issues, such as high taxes and strained public services.