Reform UK Seizes Councils in 2025 Local Elections

Reform UK made significant gains in the 2025 English local elections, securing control of several key councils such as Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, and Durham—areas previously held by Labour or the Conservatives. The party also narrowly won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, flipping a Labour seat by six votes. Dame Andrea Jenkyns was elected as the first Greater Lincolnshire mayor with a substantial majority, marking a historic win for Reform UK. These outcomes have been described as a 'political earthquake,' positioning Reform as the main opposition to Labour and the Conservatives, who both suffered heavy nationwide losses. Labour leader Keir Starmer acknowledged the disappointing results and pledged to pursue faster change. The results indicate a major realignment in British politics, driven by widespread public dissatisfaction with traditional parties.