• Reform UK won the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary by-election by a narrow margin and secured its first mayoral seat in Greater Lincolnshire, marking significant milestones for the party.
• The local election results indicate growing public discontent with both the Conservative and Labour parties, creating an opening for Reform UK to gain traction.
• Reform UK's success could lead to a reshaping of the UK's political landscape, challenging the traditional two-party dominance and potentially impacting future national elections.

Local elections in England have revealed a potential shift in the UK's political landscape, with Reform UK making notable gains. The party secured its first parliamentary by-election victory in Runcorn and Helsby, albeit by a narrow margin, and also won the Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election. These results suggest a growing dissatisfaction with the Conservative and Labour parties and a willingness among voters to explore alternative political options. The elections encompassed over 1,600 council seats across England, serving as the first major test of voter sentiment since the last national elections and providing insights into the evolving political dynamics within the UK.

• What: Local elections in England saw Reform UK winning the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary by-election and the Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election. Labour held onto mayoralties in North Tyneside, West of England, and Doncaster. Northumberland County Council remains under no overall control.
• Who: Key players include Nigel Farage (Reform UK founder), Andrea Jenkyns (Reform UK's newly elected mayor of Greater Lincolnshire), Keir Starmer (Labour Party leader), Sarah Pochin (Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby) and voters across England.
• When: The local elections took place on May 1, 2025, with results being reported starting late on the 1st and throughout the 2nd.
• Where: The elections occurred in various parts of England, including Runcorn and Helsby, Greater Lincolnshire, North Tyneside, West of England, Doncaster, and Northumberland.

The local election results highlight a significant shift in the UK's political landscape. Reform UK's gains demonstrate the party's ability to translate poll support into actual votes, posing a challenge to the dominance of the Conservative and Labour parties. The narrow victory in Runcorn and Helsby, coupled with the mayoral win in Greater Lincolnshire, suggests a growing appeal of right-wing populist messages among voters. This shift could lead to a realignment of political forces, impacting future national elections. However, Reform UK will face increased scrutiny as they transition from a protest movement to a governing party.

"The energy on the doorstep is quite remarkable, really. There’s some magic there. I haven’t felt that since the Brexit years."

"I think we've supplanted the Conservative Party now as the main opposition party in government."

"What a long night...inch-by-inch Reform will reset Britain to its glorious past."

The UK local elections of 2025 have signaled a potential realignment of the country's political landscape. Reform UK's victories, particularly in Runcorn and Helsby and Greater Lincolnshire, underscore the growing appeal of right-wing populist messaging and a rising dissatisfaction with the traditional Conservative and Labour parties. While Labour managed to hold onto several key mayoralties, the overall results suggest a shift in voter sentiment that could significantly impact future elections and reshape the UK's political future. The long-term implications of these results remain to be seen, but the elections undoubtedly mark a pivotal moment in British politics.