An overlooked result for Reform UK has shown why Nigel Farage is now “Labour’s problem” as the populist party sets its sights on smashing through the Red Wall.
Reform UK surged to top Blackpool’s Marton by-election poll, receiving 38.8 per cent of the vote with a 29.3 per cent surge compared to 2023.
Labour’s vote share tanked by 23 per cent to reduce Sir Keir Starmer’s party to just 28 per cent.
The result also spells problems for the Tories, with Conservative support almost halving to just 21.3 per cent.
Sir Keir StarmerPABlackpool’s council by-election result not only reflected a boost for a Farage-led Reform UK.
It also revealed a significant post-election surge for the populist party.
Estimates suggest Reform UK received 25.9 per cent of the vote in Marton on July 4, with Labour way out in front on 47.3 per cent.
Labour snatched both of the Lancashire town’s seats in the 2024 General Election, having already won back Blackpool South following a by-election earlier this year.
More in Common’s Luke Tryl shared his insight on this week’s Reform UK gain.
Nigel FaragePAHe said: “Little more than a year ago, the two main parties got 91 per cent in this seat, yesterday it was under 50 per cent.
“With voter fragmentation, Tories shouldn’t assume Labour unpopularity means people come back to them. Reform is Labour’s problem now too.”
Tryl added: “Trust is at the heart of it and convincing people the system can work for them.”
Farage will hope to benefit from the one-in-three Tory switchers to Labour who now regret their vote.
Despite voting for Boris Johnson, Reform UK will see many of those voters as winnable, particularly in the Red Wall.
Keir Starmer PA
A staggering 89 out of the 98 seats where Reform UK came second on July 4 were won by Labour, incredibly the uber-marginal Welsh seat of Llanelli.
Reform UK has been developing its strategy ahead of Local Elections in 2025 as it ramps up efforts to benefit from disaffection with Starmer’s Government.
Farage instructed the populist party’s chairman Zia Yusuf to democratise Reform UK, with more than 250 local branches being set up in recent weeks.
The Brexit supremo is also urging his “People’s Army” to campaign like the Liberal Democrats to maximise gains and give Reform UK a foothold ahead of the next General Election.