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We welcome scrutiny, Reform UK says after major election gains
Reform UK says it will welcome scrutiny after reporting major gains across England, Scotland and Wales. The party claims more than 1,400 English councillors and strong showings in Wales and Scotland, with Nigel Farage calling the shift a historic moment. Reform emphasises priorities such as secure borders, the cost of living, and law and order while defending its local government record.
Why It Matters
The results indicate a significant realignment in UK politics, increasing scrutiny of Reform UK's governance and potentially reshaping the landscape ahead of national elections.
Timeline
9 Events
Reform UK's sustained lead in national opinion polls
May 2026
The party has built on that success at the polls this year, and has since sustained a lead over other parties in national opinion polls.
Harris on short-term gains and long-term efficiency
May 2026
Harris said Reform UK would be looking for short-term gains and, in the long run, would try to make the council environment more efficient.
Zia Yusuf: Reform UK welcomes scrutiny of its record
May 2026
Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, said the party would welcome scrutiny but argued that no party has had its local government record more scrutinised.
Nigel Farage describes results as a 'truly historic shift' in British politics
May 2026
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the results as a 'truly historic shift in British politics'.
Polling expert Sir John Curtice notes Reform UK's regional strength
May 2026
Polling expert Sir John Curtice said Reform UK did best in places that voted heavily for Brexit in 2016.
Scottish Parliament: Reform UK tied for second with Labour on 17 MSPs
May 2026
In Scotland, Reform UK, which had only one MSP before the election, was tied with Labour for second place with 17 MSPs.
Welsh Parliament: Reform UK finishes second to Plaid Cymru with 34 seats
May 2026
In Wales, Reform UK finished second in the expanded Welsh Parliament elections, winning 34 seats.
Reform UK's 2026 English gains: councils including Barnsley, Wakefield, Sunderland and Gateshead; others shift to no overall control; total councillors over 1,400
May 2026
Reform UK's 2026 gains in England include taking control of Barnsley, Wakefield, Sunderland and Gateshead, with Hartlepool, Tameside, Redditch and Tamworth moving to no overall control, bringing its English local government footing to more than 1,400 councillors.
2025 English local elections: Reform UK gains 10 councils and 31% vote share
May 2025
In the 2025 local elections in England, Reform UK gained control of 10 councils and reportedly secured 31% of the English vote, marking a substantial early success for the party.