Overview
- Reform UK emerged as the dominant party in the English local elections, capturing 30% of the vote and surpassing Labour, Conservatives, and Liberal Democrats.
- The party won absolute majorities in 10 of 16 counties, dismantling long-standing Conservative control and flipping safe Labour seats.
- Sarah Pochin narrowly won the Runcorn & Helsby by-election by six votes, marking a significant symbolic victory for Reform UK.
- Nigel Farage declared the traditional two-party system obsolete, positioning Reform UK as a challenger to both Labour and Conservatives nationally.
- Reform UK has pledged to obstruct Labour government policies on migration and climate at the local level, further intensifying political divisions.