Reform UK has made significant gains in recent UK elections, most notably winning the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary by-election by a margin of just six votes, making it one of the closest parliamentary results in British history. Sarah Pochin’s victory, secured after a recount, overturned Labour’s previous substantial majority, giving Reform UK its fifth MP.
In addition to the by-election, Reform UK achieved its first mayoral election win in Greater Lincolnshire. Labour, however, narrowly retained mayoral positions in North Tyneside, the West of England, and Doncaster, with Reform UK finishing second in all three races.
Political editor Chris Mason described the results as a “story of Reform UK,” highlighting the party’s growing influence.
Meanwhile, results from local council elections, where over 1,600 seats are being contested in England, indicate significant losses for both the Conservative and Labour parties.
Polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice, analyzing early results from 141 wards across several councils, reported that Reform UK is currently winning approximately 39% of the vote, putting them 11 points ahead of the Conservatives. Reform UK has also won 79 council seats, more than any other party so far.
The Conservatives, defending 99 seats, have only managed to retain 37. Professor Curtice suggested that unless their performance improves throughout the day, their total seat losses would be substantial.
Labour is also experiencing losses, though to a lesser extent than the Conservatives. Compared to the May 2021 local elections, when these seats were last contested, the Conservatives are down by approximately 26 points or more, and Labour is down by about nine points or more.
Professor Curtice noted that the results confirm the trend seen in the general election last summer, where the Conservative party lost to Labour.
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