Reform UK has secured victory in two council by-elections as leader Nigel Farage boasts “something is happening here.”
The results come as a blow to the Conservatives in the Kent area as Reform continues to threaten them from the right. Labour will also be concerned that this is indicative of a broader disenfranchisement with the current Government.
Reform secured the victories on Kent County Council and Dartford Borough Council.
In Swanscombe and Greenhithe, Kent, Reform won 29% of the vote, up from just 1.6% last time out.Labour was second with 24.6% of the vote while the Tories languished in fourth with 15.6%. The two seats were previously held by the independent Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents’ Association (SGRA).
Thomas Mallon was the Reform UK candidate who will now take a seat on the council.
On the Dartford Borough Council – in the Greenhithe & Knockhall ward – Reform came first with 31% of the vote. They were followed by the SGRA (27%). Labour and the Tories were both beaten to third place by the Greens. Reform’s candidate here was Michael David Brown.
Reacting to the results, Mr Farage said: “Obviously I am very pleased with the results from Kent. It is all the more pleasing because we did it from a virtual standing start and it reflects our new, professionalised approach.
“Now we are going all out for Kent County Council next May and I will be addressing a dinner in Hythe tonight (Nov 22) to that effect. Something is happening out there.”
Tory backbencher Cllr Sarah Hudson added: “This says that Reform UK is going to win a hell of a lot of seats next May at the election.
“It might be a by-election but it’s indicative of things. It means the Tories are still not loved and the Labour Party are not loved either.
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