Staff Writer Anthony Bennett assesses Reform’s recent victories in local English elections and what this might mean for the future of British politics.
The rise of Reform UK (Reform) in Britain’s political arena can no longer be ignored. The governing elite, consisting of the Labour and Conservative Parties, appears to have lost its duopoly on the electoral landscape. Reform runs on populist rhetoric focusing on drastically reducing immigration, as the two major parties have sidelined the growing debates on the same issue. Thus, the results of the English local elections in May were not surprising. According to the BBC, Reform won 677 of the 1,600 contested seats on Thursday across a number of mainly Tory-held councils, notably seizing control of two major Conservative strongholds: Kent and Staffordshire. Moreover, the Reform also displaced Labour in Runcorn and Helsby.
Evidently, Reform appears to represent Britain’s working-class. According to YouGov, Reform UK has beaten Labour by 2% on the topic of representing working-class people, gaining 19% compared to Labour’s 17%. This is a significant development, especially in the context of the local elections, where people vote for councillors to represent them in local government, which deal with services such as housing, education, and transport. These results suggest that Reform is resonating with a growing number of working-class voters, potentially challenging Labour’s traditional support base in many communities. Reform also had its first mayoral contest victories in Greater Lincolnshire, Hull, and East Yorkshire. A jubilant Farage said that the results meant Reform had overtaken the Tories and become the main opposition to the Labour Government.
Labour’s Reaction
Reacting to the results, Prime Minister Starmer stated that he shared the indignation felt by voters leaning away from the conventional parties, arguing that it spurs him to ‘go further and faster’ in delivering on Labour’s promises. Starmer’s recent critical tone on immigration, exemplified in the now infamous ‘island of strangers’ speech, echoes long-standing Reform rhetoric.
It will however be challenging to regain the public’s trust, as Labour is polling at 23%, with the general public perceiving it as an unreliable government. This is worsened by 55% of Reform voters believing the UK would change under their leadership (according to YouGov), compared to 22% of Labour voters who think the same for the Labour Government. This is simultaneously unfortunate and ironic for the Labour Party that ran on the message of “change“.
The Conservatives’ Problems
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch acknowledged that her party was facing a long journey to rebuild after its mismanagement of power. She admitted the results had been a ‘bloodbath’ for her party, but argued the party is progressing under her leadership in a ‘very competitive political environment’. To stabilise her leadership, Badenoch undertook a modest reshuffle of her shadow cabinet in July 2025. Key changes included the return of James Cleverly as Shadow Housing Secretary and the promotion of to party chair. However, the reshuffle was widely criticised as cosmetic, with both allies and opponents arguing that it failed to tackle the party’s deeper strategic and ideological fractures. Nevertheless, the Conservative Party have a long way to go until they can again compete as a heavyweight on the right wing of the British political spectrum.
Implications for British Politics and the Road Ahead
The rise of the Reform movement marks a pivotal moment in UK politics, signalling a clear shift in voter sentiment away from established parties, such as Labour and the Conservatives. This shift indicates a growing appetite for representation that prioritises the concerns of the working class and challenges the status quo. Reform’s success in local elections highlights its effectiveness in capitalising on public discontent with mainstream political narratives.
As Labour grapples with the need to regain trust amid criticism of its immigration policies and perceived inability to connect with voters, the Conservatives must confront the consequences of their previous governance while striving to re-establish their credibility. Ultimately, the current political climate necessitates that both traditional parties reassess their strategies to resonate with an electorate increasingly willing to embrace more extremist alternatives. Failure to adapt may further empower Reform, potentially reshaping the future of British politics.
