Nigel Farage has hailed seven council by-election wins for Reform UK. The Reform leader took to X to celebrate the victories in town halls across the country following ballots yesterday.

He said: “Good news! Reform won seven council by-elections last night. Take the St Helens Town Centre Ward, last up in 2022. We went from 0% to 39%, smashing Labour. The Conservatives got 3.6%. They are no longer a national party.

“In Wilnecote Ward in Tamworth, we thrashed the Conservatives. Our vote was up +33%, theirs down -20%. We also won big in Cambridgeshire, Rhyl South, Nuneaton and Staffordshire. Across the country, people get it. Britain is broken. Only Reform will fix it!”

It comes as Reform has been consistently leading national opinion polls.

The party also swept to victory at May’s local elections, where Labour faced a drubbing, but has not been successful in recent Westminster by-elections, including Makerfield and Gorton and Denton.

But Labour could receive a bounce following Sir Keir Starmer‘s resignation, with Andy Burnham looking set to enter 10 Downing Street within weeks.

Polling by More in Common found that in a hypothetical general election with Mr Burnham as Labour leader, the party would beat Reform UK – but only by a single point.

The survey suggested Labour would win 27% of the vote ahead of Reform on 26% and the Conservatives on 23%.

If Mr Burnham was not leader, Reform takes 28%, Labour 22% and the Tories 21%, according to the poll.

The new Makerfield MP is likely to be installed as leader on July 17 if a challenger does not emerge.

Nightmare for Andy Burnham as Reform Win Seven By-Elections with Labour Smashed in One Key Vote

Andy Burnham is facing a fresh political nightmare after a series of dramatic by-election results delivered a major warning to the Labour government. Reform UK has strengthened its position in local politics, with reports of seven by-election victories highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among voters who believe Labour has failed to deliver the changes promised before entering government. The results have intensified questions about Burnham’s leadership, Labour’s political strategy and the party’s ability to reconnect with traditional working-class communities. What makes the situation particularly uncomfortable for Labour is that the growing support for Reform is no longer confined to a handful of constituencies. Instead, it reflects a wider political shift that could have serious consequences for the government’s future. With immigration, the cost of living, taxation and public services dominating political debate, Reform leader Nigel Farage is increasingly presenting his party as a credible alternative to the established political parties.

The reported victories have attracted considerable attention because local by-elections are often viewed as an early indication of changing political attitudes. Although individual council contests do not necessarily predict the outcome of a general election, repeated victories for one party can reveal growing dissatisfaction with the government and enthusiasm for a political alternative.

For Labour, the warning signs are particularly concerning. The party entered government promising economic stability, stronger public services and a fresh start after years of Conservative rule. However, many voters remain frustrated by the pressure on household finances, difficulties accessing NHS services and continuing concerns about immigration.

Reform UK has been quick to capitalise on this dissatisfaction.

Farage has built much of his political message around the argument that Britain’s established parties have failed to listen to ordinary people. He has repeatedly criticised government spending, immigration policy and what he describes as the political establishment’s unwillingness to confront difficult national problems.

His message appears to resonate with voters who feel that their concerns have been ignored for too long.

One of the biggest challenges for Labour is the possibility that traditional supporters are beginning to look elsewhere. In several areas, voters who previously supported Labour have expressed frustration over issues such as employment, housing, immigration and the cost of living.

These concerns are particularly important in former industrial communities, where many residents believe successive governments have failed to provide sufficient economic opportunities.

Reform has attempted to position itself as the party prepared to challenge this situation. Its candidates frequently campaign on promises to reduce immigration, control public expenditure, improve accountability and prioritise British workers.

However, winning elections is only the first stage. Reform must also demonstrate that it has the policies, experienced representatives and organisational capacity to govern effectively.

The scale of Labour’s political difficulties becomes clearer when examining the issues dominating public debate.

Immigration remains one of the most difficult challenges facing Burnham. The continuing arrival of migrants in small boats across the English Channel has placed considerable pressure on the government’s credibility. Labour promised to tackle criminal smuggling gangs and improve border enforcement, but critics argue that the results have not been sufficiently convincing.

Reform has made immigration a central part of its political campaign, arguing that Britain needs stronger controls and a more effective system for removing people who have no legal right to remain.

The party’s message has created particular difficulties for Labour in constituencies where immigration is already a sensitive issue.

Another significant problem involves taxation. Many households are concerned about the cost of living, energy bills and the amount of money they contribute through taxes. Businesses are also worried about employment costs and the wider economic environment.

Labour has attempted to defend its economic policies by pointing to investment plans and efforts to improve public services. However, voters ultimately judge governments by whether their everyday circumstances improve.

If families continue to struggle with rising expenses, political promises about future economic growth may not be enough to restore confidence.

The NHS is another area where Labour faces considerable pressure. Waiting lists, difficulties accessing GP appointments and shortages of healthcare professionals remain major concerns. The government has promised to improve performance, but meaningful progress takes time and requires substantial resources.

Reform has used these difficulties to argue that Britain’s public services need fundamental reform and more effective management.

Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is also seeking to challenge Labour’s record. The Conservatives hope to rebuild support among voters who have become dissatisfied with the governing party but remain uncertain about Reform.

This creates an increasingly complicated political landscape. Labour is facing pressure from Reform on its right, while the Conservatives are attempting to regain their traditional position as the principal opposition party.

For Burnham, the danger is that Labour could lose support to both parties if it fails to establish a clear political direction.

The reported by-election results also raise questions about the government’s relationship with its traditional supporters. Labour has historically relied on strong support from working-class communities, trade union households and voters who prioritise public services.

However, political loyalties are changing. Some voters are increasingly willing to support smaller parties when they believe the traditional parties have failed to address their concerns.

Reform has benefited from this changing environment by presenting itself as an outsider movement rather than another established political organisation.

Farage’s personal profile has also played an important role. His ability to attract media attention and communicate simple political messages has helped Reform establish a distinctive identity.

Nevertheless, the party faces significant challenges. It must demonstrate that its candidates can represent local communities responsibly, manage public resources and deliver practical improvements.

A series of by-election victories may create momentum, but sustained political success requires more than protest votes.

Labour must also avoid underestimating the significance of local election results. By-elections can expose weaknesses in campaign organisation, candidate selection and voter engagement. They can also reveal issues that national opinion polls may not fully capture.

If Reform continues to make gains, Labour could face increasing pressure to reconsider its approach to immigration, taxation, public spending and economic development.

However, simply copying Reform’s policies may not be the answer. Labour needs to demonstrate that it has a credible programme of its own and that it understands the concerns of voters who feel economically insecure or politically ignored.

Burnham’s immediate challenge is therefore to restore confidence in the government’s ability to deliver.

He must demonstrate measurable progress on the economy, public services and border enforcement while explaining how Labour intends to improve living standards.

The government also needs to communicate more effectively with communities outside Britain’s largest cities. Many residents want better transport, affordable housing, secure employment and reliable public services rather than another round of political arguments.

These practical concerns could ultimately determine whether Reform’s growing popularity becomes a lasting political movement or a temporary expression of frustration.

In conclusion, the reported seven by-election victories for Reform UK represent a serious political warning for Andy Burnham and the Labour government. Although local election results should not automatically be interpreted as predictions of a general election, they can reveal important changes in public opinion. Reform’s growing support suggests that Nigel Farage is successfully attracting voters who feel disappointed with traditional political parties. Immigration, taxation, the cost of living and pressure on public services are all contributing to Labour’s difficulties. The government must now demonstrate that it can deliver tangible improvements rather than relying on promises and political explanations. At the same time, Reform must prove that it can turn electoral momentum into effective and responsible leadership. The coming months will be crucial for both parties. If Labour fails to reconnect with dissatisfied communities, Reform could become an increasingly powerful force in British politics. For Burnham, the message from voters is unmistakable: public confidence cannot be taken for granted, and political success ultimately depends on delivering results that people can see in their everyday lives.