Far-Right ‘Trump-Inspired’ Reform UK Stuns In Local Elections Landslide
Nigel Farage’s far-right Reform UK, often compared to Donald Trump’s populist movement, has stunned Britain’s political class with a sweeping performance in the local elections—flipping a 15,000 Labour majority in Runcorn by just a handful of votes.
The shock victory sent a clear warning to both Labour and the Conservatives, as Farage’s resurgent party outperformed expectations in Thursday’s local council elections. From the North East to the Midlands and the South East, Reform surged across England, painting traditionally red and blue seats in turquoise.
Durham, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, and even border-sensitive Kent were swept by Reform candidates.
Analysts say that if these results were replicated in a General Election, Britain’s long-standing two-party system could collapse—with Nigel Farage marching toward No10.
Farage, celebrating the moment, declared he would “never give up booze” even as his movement tipped the scales in council after council.
For Labour, it was a bruising and potentially defining defeat. Senior party figures publicly expressed dismay, warning the leadership that Reform’s rise and voter discontent could derail Sir Keir Starmer’s path to a second term.
Quotes from sitting Labour MPs included: “The Labour leadership must urgently change course,” “Runcorn is a warning we can’t ignore,” and “a disastrous night.”
While Labour spin doctors attempted to downplay the losses, insiders admitted the results had rocked confidence in the party’s strategy.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to face intensified scrutiny, especially as she prepares to make further spending cuts. Some in Westminster are already speculating about potential cabinet reshuffles or even fiscal U-turns to stem public backlash.
The Conservatives, meanwhile, had little to celebrate. Once-safe Tory strongholds fell one after another, with Reform cannibalising their base.
In Staffordshire, Reform gained 49 councillors while the Tories lost 47. In Worcestershire, Reform added 27 while the Tories dropped 43. Similar swings were recorded elsewhere.
A shadow minister defending the Tories on live TV was compared to Saddam Hussein’s infamous spokesman claiming victory as tanks rolled in—highlighting the disbelief within party ranks.
Party leader Kemi Badenoch appeared absent in the face of the electoral onslaught. While some MPs blame internal fatigue and a fear of leadership change, others warn the party is frozen in the headlights.
Reform’s claim to be the true opposition is no longer dismissed as fantasy.
With bookies now offering 5/2 odds on Nigel Farage becoming the next Prime Minister, and talk of Badenoch being ousted within a year, the political landscape in Britain may be on the verge of a populist upheaval.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
