Local Elections Test Reform UK's Growing Influence Across England

England's local elections are drawing significant attention as a major test for both the governing Labour Party and the right-wing Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Reform UK, previously seen as a fringe movement, is contesting nearly every seat and is predicted to win up to a quarter of council positions, marking a substantial advance from prior years. Farage has positioned Reform as the primary opposition to Labour, aiming to expand its appeal to both former Labour supporters and conservative voters disillusioned with the Tories. The contest is particularly intense in traditional Conservative strongholds, with Reform's performance seen as a gauge of its ability to challenge the old political order in future national elections. While some speculate about possible coalitions or electoral pacts between Reform and the Conservatives, Farage has dismissed the notion, emphasizing his party's ambition to become a dominant force independently. The outcome is expected to influence both major parties' strategies, especially concerning issues like immigration and public sector reform.