12 sources·Politics

Reform UK Surges to Power in Local Elections, Overtaking Conservatives as Main Opposition

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, marks political shift by winning more local seats and defeating Labour in key byelection.

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  1. English local elections: Farage says ‘it’s the beginning of the end of the Conservative party’ after sweeping Reform wins – as it happened

    More surprising was the scale of Labour losses, with the party losing proportionally fewer seats than the Tories, but with some major localised drubbings, such as a net loss of 38 seats in Durham and 27 in Lancashire.

    English local elections: Farage says ‘it’s the beginning of the end of the Conservative party’ after sweeping Reform wins – as it happened

    The GuardianThe Guardian·1d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. Reform Party Election Surge Signals Sea Change in British Politics

    The Reform UK party under Nigel Farage has just seized its first by-election victory in a former Labour stronghold and has made huge gains in local elections, foreshadowing seismic shifts in English politics.

    Reform Party Election Surge Signals Sea Change in British Politics

    Epoch TimesEpoch Times·1d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  3. Local elections: Bruised Tories and Labour left working out how to tackle Reform

    There are plenty more results to come, but make no mistake, these elections will shape the tone, tenor and focus of the political conversation in the months to come; the government and the Tories staring, sleep deprived, hard into the mirror and working out how to respond.

    Local elections: Bruised Tories and Labour left working out how to tackle Reform

    BBC NewsBBC News·1d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  4. Farage’s right-wing Reform party narrowly wins another seat in British Parliament

    The local elections Thursday in many areas of England were a test of feeling about Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s center-left Labour government, 10 months after it was elected in a landslide.

    Farage’s right-wing Reform party narrowly wins another seat in British Parliament

    CNNCNN·2d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  1. The Guardian
  2. Epoch Times
  3. BBC News
  4. CNN
  5. ABC News
  6. Associated Press
Updated: May 2nd, 2025, 3:28 PM ET

Summary

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In a landmark local election on May 1, 2025, Nigel Farage's Reform UK party captured the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary seat by just six votes, signaling its emergence as a significant political force. The party, advocating against immigration, gained control of at least six county councils, shutting out both Labour and Conservatives. With an estimated 30% of the vote, Reform's performance points to a historic shift from traditional party dominance. Keir Starmer's Labour saw significant losses, leading to questions about its future direction, while the Conservatives also struggled to regain voter trust.

Perspectives

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  • Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, narrowly won a seat in Parliament, signaling potential major gains in local elections and presenting itself as a serious contender in British politics.

  • Farage's party has seen a significant swing in voter support, often surpassing both Labour and Conservatives in polls, and is targeting working-class voters with promises on immigration and government reform.

  • The elections illustrate a shift towards a fragmentation of traditional party dominance, with Reform UK presenting a dual threat to both Labour and Conservatives.

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History

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Reform UK Surges to Power in Local Elections, Overtaking Conservatives as Main Opposition - Pano News