• Reform UK wins by-election in Runcorn and Helsby by just six votes, marking a major upset for Labour.
• The party has taken control of multiple councils, including its first mayoralty in Greater Lincolnshire.
• Labour's popularity has declined amid recent government policies, benefiting Reform UK.
• Nigel Farage claims Reform UK now serves as the main opposition to Labour.
• Reform UK aims to reshape local policies, focusing on anti-immigration and fiscal restraint.

The Reform UK party has achieved a remarkable victory in the recent local elections, notably by winning the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by a razor-thin margin of six votes. Reform candidate Sarah Pochin received 12,645 votes, defeating Labour's candidate, who secured 12,639 votes. This result is significant as it overturns a previous Labour majority of nearly 15,000 votes from the 2024 general election, reflecting a growing discontent with the current government, according to aa.

In the broader local elections, Reform UK has captured control of eight councils, including historically Conservative strongholds like Kent and Staffordshire, along with Doncaster, where Labour was defending its position. The party also gained its first mayoralty in Greater Lincolnshire, marking a significant milestone in its political journey, as highlighted in reporting by Al Jazeera and BBC.

According to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the party is now poised to emerge as the preeminent opposition party to Labour. He noted that the party’s rising influence comes as Labour faces declining popularity due to various governmental policy decisions, including tax increases and welfare reform. Farage asserted that these measures have traditionally appealed to Labour’s voter base, a sentiment echoed by political analysts evaluating the electoral landscape, as reported by Al Jazeera and BBC.

Newly elected mayor Andrea Jenkyns from Reform UK has articulated a vision for stricter immigration policies, stating a commitment to a tougher stance on asylum seekers, which includes proposals to house them in tents rather than hotels. This aligns with Reform UK’s anti-immigration rhetoric and broader campaign focus that aims to prioritize British citizens, according to aa and BBC. The party is determined to leverage its newfound power in local councils to influence policies in line with its platform.

The outcome of the elections underlines significant shifts in the UK political atmosphere, with Reform UK now controlling multiple significant councils. With the upcoming general elections anticipated in 2029, the party is focusing on establishing local governance as a foundation for its future prospects, aiming to maintain momentum amidst increasing voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties, as suggested by multiple sources, including Al Jazeera and BBC.