More than 50 years of Labour leadership came to an end in Sunderland when Reform took control of the council. The party secured 39 councillors, surpassing the 38 needed for a majority, despite approximately £2 billion in investment in the city. Former Conservative Paul Donaghy, 44, one of Reform UK's winners in Sunderland, said the party expected to win a total of 45-50 of the 75 seats contested.
Reform's Victory and Voter Sentiment
"It is a gut feeling but also from looking at the piles of ballot papers," Donaghy said. "The national picture has clearly played a part. If you look at Durham county council (now run by Reform) that is what we are trying to emulate here in Sunderland." He added that the city viewed the vote as a referendum on Keir Starmer. However, he acknowledged that his party now needed to deliver the change the city voted for.
New Sunderland Reform councillor Chris Eynon noted that the party is benefiting from last year's win in Durham, with more people in the region wanting a Reform council. He believes regeneration will continue but wants it to spread out of the city centre and into outlying estates and the former coalfields.
Labour's Response and Future Challenges
Defiant Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said he and the Labour party would fight for the people of Sunderland "long after Reform has gone." He added: "Over the last two years people feel they have not seen the improvement in their living standards and they haven't felt the change come fast enough. I don't think that's a left or a right issue. I think it's about how we work to get the economy right, put more money into people's pockets and deliver regeneration. Reform and the Lib Dems have been in the luxurious position of being in opposition. Now they must deliver."
Atkinson also highlighted concerns about divisive rhetoric: "We had a riot in the centre of Sunderland within a month of my election. That was the start of August, 2024, where divisive rhetoric and misinformation led to buildings in town being vandalised and set on fire. We all have a responsibility to build a city that rejects division and hatred and comes together. I think people who were willing to vote for Reform knew that they were not voting for Nigel Farage to be Prime Minister. The challenge now is to be the best version of the Labour Party that we can be."
