Following this year’s local elections, Reform UK is now the third-largest group at the LGA.
To have achieved that just months after establishing our political group office in September last year is a remarkable achievement.
It reflects the passion and hard work of our candidates, councillors, activists and members across the country.
Following Reform UK’s High Court challenge over election cancellations, and the Government’s subsequent U-turn, one thing is clear: where voters were given the chance to have their say, Reform UK was overwhelmingly successful.
Only 136 local authorities in Britain held elections this year and, in many of those, only a third or half of the seats were contested. Even within those limits, the electorate sent a clear message.
This was a landmark moment in British politics and an inflection point for the LGA. The mood of the country has changed, and that mandate must now be properly reflected within the association.
With Reform UK now running many councils, our growing influence brings serious responsibility. Nowhere is that clearer than in the debate on local government reorganisation (LGR).
We have consistently raised concerns about the timing and pace of LGR, particularly where rushed implementation risks instability in vital services.
“With Reform UK now running many councils, our growing influence brings serious responsibility”
Councils deliver services that vulnerable people rely on every day. The test for reorganisation must be whether it strengthens local government, protects frontline delivery, and avoids unnecessary risk to the people councils are there to serve.
At the LGA, the Reform UK political group office is supporting new administrations following changes of control, while also assisting newly elected councillors across local government.
Our task now is to turn electoral success into influence, ensuring Reform UK has a strong, credible and unmistakable voice across local government.