Reform UK did not secure a single seat in recent council by-elections, a setback that comes shortly after Nigel Farage called on local Conservatives to align with his party. This development is part of a broader trend where Reform UK has largely struggled to gain traction in local council contests since the General Election in July.
No Seats Gained in Latest By-Elections
In the latest round of council by-elections, Reform UK failed to win any of the 13 contested seats. This continues their track record of limited success; from the 107 council by-elections held since the General Election, Reform UK has won only one additional seat. Farage’s recent outreach to Conservative councillors highlighted the need for stronger alliances, yet Reform’s results seem to indicate the challenges of breaking through established party support at the local level.
Farage’s Appeal to Conservative Councillors
Earlier, Farage had written a letter urging Conservative county councillors to consider joining Reform UK, hinting at the party’s growing “ground campaign capabilities” ahead of May’s local elections. “A huge number of them genuinely agree with us and what we stand for,” he noted in the letter, which reached 1,352 Conservative councillors, according to BBC sources. Farage has increasingly positioned Reform UK as a platform for disillusioned Tories, seeking to unite conservative forces that align with his party’s vision for Britain.
Conservative Response
The Conservative Party responded critically to Farage’s appeal. A party spokesperson remarked, “Reform has delivered a Labour government. A vote for Reform this coming May is a vote for a Labour council.” This warning signals the Tory perspective that splitting the conservative vote between Reform UK and the Conservatives could inadvertently aid Labour’s success in council races.
The Challenges Ahead
As Reform UK looks to expand its influence, these council by-election results may prompt reflection on campaign strategies and alliances. With Farage’s prediction of a formidable Reform ground game by next May, the party faces the challenge of gaining meaningful footholds in local governance amid stiff competition.
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