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3mo ago

Reform UK Reshapes British Politics with Major Local Election Gains

Nigel Farage’s party emerges as a formidable third force, challenging Labour and Conservative strategies and fueling debates over immigration and governance.

Prime minister Keir Starmer stance on immigration is driving his voter base to Reform, experts argue. Image: Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street
The ever-smiling millionaire Farage needs to answer some key questions; his voters need to come down to earth. (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Reform UK secured 677 council seats, control of 10 councils, two mayoralties, and a by-election victory in Runcorn & Helsby during the May 1 local elections.
  • The party’s rise has disrupted the traditional two-party dominance, drawing significant support from disillusioned Conservative voters and some Labour supporters.
  • Labour and the Conservatives have adopted harder immigration stances, with Labour facing criticism for policies that mirror far-right rhetoric.
  • Commentators argue Labour should treat Reform UK as the main opposition, focusing on progressive values rather than shifting further right to counter the populist surge.
  • Critics highlight a lack of scrutiny of Reform UK's platform, questioning its long-term governance capacity and its reliance on nationalist, anti-immigrant messaging.