Overview

• Reform UK leads the Conservatives by five points in national polls, positioning itself as a major force ahead of the May 1 local elections.
• The party is contesting 99.4% of council seats, outpacing both Labour and the Conservatives in candidate numbers.
• Bassim Haidar, a prominent former Tory donor, has pledged £1 million to Reform, citing Farage's potential to reshape UK politics.
• Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, has ruled out a national coalition with Reform but left open the possibility of local-level agreements.
• Labour ministers warn that Reform could emerge as their main competitor, with Farage's economic populism appealing to disillusioned Red Wall voters.