From Fringe to Frontline: ReformUK's Big Leap

ReformUK races ahead in local elections, toppling Tory strongholds, shaking Labour, and signaling a dramatic shift in British politics.

- ANTONIA FILMER

During the 1 May local elections and mayoral elections, it is clear ReformUK have performed like a Ferrari, in an unprecedented surge that is bigger and better for the party than even UKIP at its height in 2014.

At the time of writing, ReformUK have their first Mayor in Dame Andrea Jenkyns, a former Tory minister; Labour has scraped through with 3 Mayors, and the Conservatives have 2 Mayors.

ReformUK also have their first woman Member of Parliament now that Sarah Pochin has won the seat in Runcorn and Helsby from the Labour party.

In the local Council elections, ReformUK are setting the pace; early results show Reform with more than double the number of Tory Councillors, with 7 Councils out of 23 already in the bag. In a shocking loss for Conservatives, they are neck and neck with the Lib Dems who have enjoyed a big gain; Labour are trailing behind even the independent candidates, almost parallel with the Greens.

Two sectarian candidates have been elected in Rochdale and Burnley.

Local elections are often not a reflection of general election voting intention, but they are symptomatic of the nation's vibe, which is an abject rejection of Labour's handling of the economy and a reaction to 14 years of Tory inefficacy over 4 election cycles. Kemi Badenoch, the current Tory leader, has not regained the trust that she promised; she has been barren of policies that are urgently needed.

The message brought home by Rupert Lowe, formerly of ReformUK but now an independent MP, about deporting illegal immigrants has resonated with the population who are looking for a fresh approach.