Nigel Farage has described Reform UK's performance in the English local elections as a 'historic shift in British politics', after the party made gains in traditional Labour and Conservative heartlands. Reform took control of Essex County Council, Havering in London, and Sunderland City Council, marking significant advances.
However, the results were mixed. Reform failed to win Harlow, a key bellwether, and fell short in Bexley. Pollster Peter Kellner suggested the party may have peaked, noting a lower vote share compared to last year's local elections. 'Reform may well be on course for a record number of gains, but it seems clear that Reform has peaked,' he said.
Farage dismissed concerns, stating the party is 'two-thirds' of the way to its general election goals. He ruled out accepting Tory defectors but left the door open for 'patriotic old Labour' MPs. Reform's home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, warned that if replicated at a general election, the results could cost Tory leader Kemi Badenoch her seat.
Reform also made a breakthrough in the Welsh Senedd, finishing second with 34 seats. Early analysis shows the party's vote share grew most in deprived areas, with an average increase of 30 percentage points in the most deprived wards, compared to 20 points in the least deprived.
