Reform UK wins local elections, prompts Labour calls for change

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, achieved significant gains in recent local elections and won the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary by-election by a narrow margin, taking a seat previously held securely by Labour. Farage hailed the results as signaling the end of two-party dominance and claimed Reform is now the 'real opposition,' while the Conservatives experienced historic losses and Labour faced sharp declines in support. Labour leader Keir Starmer acknowledged the disappointing results and admitted the need for his government to deliver change 'further and faster,' defending recent tough economic decisions as necessary. Starmer disputed the notion that Reform UK is the new 'people's party,' highlighting progress on issues such as NHS waiting lists, rising wages, and falling interest rates. Meanwhile, both Labour and Conservative figures rejected the idea of forming pacts with Reform, emphasizing their commitment to independent recovery. Reform's success has intensified calls within Labour to reconsider policies that some believe are alienating voters.