'We want to return the council back to basics'

REFORM UK ARE RIDING HIGH IN OPINION POLLS

- MARTYN SMITH

Marco Longhi and Cllr Shaun Keasey from Reform UK

AS the nation prepares to vote in local elections Reform UK is riding high in opinion polls with big gains predicted.

In Dudley, where 25 of the council’s 72 seats will be up for grabs, the party is fielding a candidate for every one and expectations are the party will increase its presence in the council chamber from its current three members.

While Reform cannot take control in Dudley as a result of the May 7 elections, the group is eyeing up a time it could win a majority in the council chamber.

Dudley Reform UK chairman, Marco Longhi, said: “Whilst I think we are going to make some big inroads, I don’t see us winning every seat.