Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Image: Getty)
Reform UK has lost a council seat to Labour by just TWO votes after a dramatic by-election result which has reignited arguments over whether smaller parties are splitting the right-wing vote. Labour candidate Caroline Reid secured 874 votes in St James’s ward in Dudley, narrowly beating Reform’s Chris Chivers, who received 872.
The result represents a Labour gain from Reform, with the two parties separated by just 0.1 percentage points. It marks a significant turnaround from the previous election in May 2026, when Reform – led by Nigel Farage – comfortably took the ward with 1,630 votes and a majority of 903 over Labour. This time, Labour’s share of the vote rose by 16.2 percentage points to 38%, while Reform’s fell by 11 points to 37.9%.
The Conservatives finished third, with Sam Firmstone taking 317 votes (13.8%).
Restore Britain’s Tristian Owens received 159 votes (6.9%), while Green candidate Katherine Alice Poole secured 79 (3.4%).
The result prompted questions on social media about whether the presence of Restore Britain (led by Rupert Lowe) on the ballot paper helped Labour take the seat by splitting support for Reform and the Conservatives.
One commenter said: “Restore are a vote for Labour”, while another argued that the party was taking votes away from Reform.
Another suggested there had been “shrewd tactical voting on the Left”, pointing to the Green Party’s reduced vote share.
However, there is no evidence establishing how Restore Britain’s 159 voters would have voted if the party had not stood. It would therefore be wrong to assume those votes would otherwise have gone to Reform.
Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe MP (Image: Getty)
The scale of the result is nevertheless striking. Restore Britain’s vote was more than 75 times the two-vote margin separating Labour and Reform.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Reform councillor Ivor Robinson, who stood down for personal reasons relating to his health.
Mr Robinson had won the ward for Reform in May 2026, when the party overturned Labour’s previous control.
Thursday’s result means Labour has now regained the seat after only a few months in Reform hands. Turnout was 22.45%, according to Dudley Council.
‘Vote Restore Get Labour!’ Reform Despair as They Lose Election by Just Two Votes
Reform UK has suffered a heartbreaking electoral defeat after losing a closely contested election by just two votes, leaving supporters disappointed and raising fresh questions about the party’s growing political ambitions. The extremely narrow result has attracted widespread attention, highlighting how every single ballot can make a decisive difference in Britain’s increasingly competitive political landscape. For Reform, which has been attempting to establish itself as a serious alternative to Labour and the Conservatives, the outcome represents a frustrating setback. Despite an energetic campaign and strong expectations among supporters, the party narrowly failed to secure victory, with the final result demonstrating just how unpredictable local elections can be. The dramatic contest has also reignited discussions about the importance of tactical voting, voter turnout and the influence of smaller political groups. The phrase ‘Vote Restore Get Labour!’ has become a talking point following the result, reflecting the complicated relationships between political parties and voters who are increasingly dissatisfied with the traditional political establishment. Reform supporters had hoped that growing frustration with Labour would translate into an electoral breakthrough. However, the final count delivered a different outcome, with the party missing victory by the smallest possible margin. Losing by only two votes is particularly painful because it demonstrates how a handful of individual decisions can determine the political future of an entire constituency or council seat. For Reform candidates and campaigners, the result will inevitably lead to questions about whether additional door-to-door campaigning, stronger local engagement or a higher turnout among supporters could have changed the outcome. The defeat also highlights the challenges facing Reform as it attempts to transform national popularity into consistent electoral success. Although the party has attracted considerable attention through its positions on immigration, taxation, public spending and national identity, winning individual contests requires more than a strong national message. Local candidates must build relationships with residents, understand community concerns and persuade voters that their proposals can deliver practical improvements. Labour, meanwhile, will view the narrow result as an important opportunity to maintain its political position despite continuing pressure over the economy and public services. The party has faced criticism over the cost of living, NHS waiting lists, housing affordability and the government’s wider policy decisions. Nevertheless, the result suggests that Labour can still retain support in closely contested areas, particularly when voters believe that their local representation is important. The Conservatives will also be watching the situation carefully, as Reform’s growing influence continues to reshape political competition on the right. A close Reform defeat does not necessarily indicate that the party’s wider support is weakening. Instead, it demonstrates that electoral outcomes can depend heavily on local circumstances and turnout. The two-vote margin may also encourage Reform campaigners to intensify their efforts before future elections. Every conversation with a voter, every campaign leaflet and every additional ballot could prove decisive. For voters, the result serves as a powerful reminder that participation in democracy matters. People sometimes assume that one vote cannot change anything, particularly when political outcomes appear predictable. However, this contest provides a clear example of how a tiny difference in turnout can determine who represents a community. The result may also encourage renewed discussion about electoral procedures, recounts and the importance of ensuring that every ballot is counted accurately. In such a closely fought contest, transparency and public confidence in the counting process are particularly important. Ultimately, Reform UK’s defeat by just two votes is a dramatic reminder of how competitive British politics has become. While the party may be disappointed by the outcome, its supporters will likely view the result as evidence that victory was within reach. For Labour, retaining the seat offers some reassurance, but it does not remove the wider challenges facing the government. As political parties prepare for their next electoral battles, the message from this extraordinary contest is clear: no victory should be taken for granted, and no vote should ever be considered insignificant.