Overview

• Reform UK candidates Carmelo Colasanto and Martin John Stevens won by-elections in Llangennech and Goytre Ward, marking the party’s fourth local victory in Wales and its first seat in Monmouthshire.
• Reform UK’s council representation has risen from 677 in May’s local elections to 868 following recent by-election victories and high-profile defections.
• Former Conservative Senedd member Laura Anne Jones has bolstered the party’s profile after defecting to Reform UK, becoming its first MS in the Senedd.
• The party’s expanding footprint now spans traditional Labour and Tory strongholds across Wales and England’s Red Wall, reflecting voter disillusionment on issues such as immigration and the cost of living.
• Reform UK’s grassroots momentum poses a growing challenge to both Labour and the Conservative Party ahead of the 2026 Senedd election and the next UK general election.