Reform UK Expected to Gain Council Control in Local Elections

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is anticipated to make significant gains in local and mayoral elections across England, capitalizing on widespread voter dissatisfaction with both Labour and the Conservatives. In Doncaster, where the mayoral race is highly contested, Reform's candidate Alexander Jones is favored by bookmakers, prompting both Labour's Ros Jones and the Conservative candidate to unite in opposition against him. The main issues in Doncaster's election include the controversial reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and debates over council debt, with all major candidates supporting the airport’s revival but differing on fiscal approaches and campaign tactics. Nationally, Reform is projected to win hundreds of council seats, primarily at the expense of the Conservatives, and could also challenge Labour in traditionally safe seats such as Runcorn & Helsby. Both major parties are bracing for potential losses, with recent polling showing Reform leading in key battlegrounds. The outcomes of these elections represent a crucial test for the main parties since the last general election, with the results expected to shape the political landscape going forward.