Reform UK Wins Multiple English Council Seats, Seeks Scottish Breakthrough

Nigel Farage's Reform UK party has made notable gains in local elections in England, doubling its representation in Norfolk and winning seats in Essex, with Farage celebrating an 'epic' victory in his own constituency. Despite his privileged background as a former stockbroker and City trader, polls show that Farage is perceived by the British public as having more solid working-class credentials than Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is viewed as more privileged despite his upbringing in a modest family. Reform UK leads in some polls with 28% voting intentions, surpassing both Labour and the Conservatives, with significant support from the working class. Farage has positioned himself as a champion of working-class voters, advocating for welfare policies such as abolishing the child benefit cap, a stance traditionally associated with Labour, while maintaining a strong anti-immigration stance. In Scotland, Reform UK is attempting to make a breakthrough in a by-election race seen as a contest primarily between the SNP and Reform, with Farage's party aiming to eclipse Labour's presence there. The party's rise and Farage's working-class appeal highlight a shifting political landscape in the UK, challenging traditional party allegiances and class perceptions.