Overview

• Reform UK secures over 600 council seats in the May 2 local elections, taking control of 10 councils and two mayoralties, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
• The party's local governance agenda focuses on opposing asylum seeker relocations, repairing potholes, and ensuring more frequent bin collections.
• Concerns have arisen over Reform UK's vetting process, with reports of controversial social media posts by some newly elected councillors.
• Labour faces growing rebellion from MPs over proposed welfare cuts, described as the largest attack on the welfare state since austerity, sparking calls for a policy rethink.
• Senior Conservatives warn the party is at risk of extinction, citing voter defections and a lack of compelling policy direction as Reform UK gains momentum.