Prime Minister Andy Burnham (Image: Getty)
Labour has suffered another bruising election defeat after Reform UK seized a council seat in a former stronghold, handing Prime Minister Andy Burnham an embarrassing setback. Reform overturned Labour’s hold on Worksop East in Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire, with candidate Nancy Wright taking 600 votes to secure victory.
Labour’s Cameron Holt was pushed into second place with 485 votes, giving Reform a majority of 115. The result represents a major reversal for Labour, which comfortably won all three seats in the ward at the previous district council elections in May 2023. According to figures published by Election Maps UK, Labour’s share of the vote was down 34.4 percentage points compared with the previous election in 2023.
The by-election was forced by the resignation of Jo White MP, currently as Home Office minister (Image: PA)
However, the comparison comes with an important caveat. Worksop East was a three-seat ward in 2023, meaning voters could cast up to three votes, whereas Thursday’s contest was a single-seat by-election. The figures therefore do not represent a straightforward like-for-like comparison of Labour’s support.
Nevertheless, Reform secured 45.9% of the vote, against Labour’s 37.1%, giving the party a clear victory in the contest.
Restore Britain’s Anne Froggatt finished third with 7%, while Conservative candidate Ben Storey managed just 6.8%.
The Green Party’s Anne Kean came fifth with 3.2%.
The result will be an unwelcome development for Mr Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister in July and has been seeking to rebuild Labour’s political fortunes.
Reform’s victory demonstrates the party’s continuing ability to make significant inroads into areas which have traditionally returned Labour councillors.
The scale of the turnaround is particularly striking given Labour’s performance in 2023, when Jo White, Cliff Entwistle and Debbie Merryweather were all elected to represent Worksop East.
Ms White secured 824 votes, Mr Entwistle 805 and Ms Merryweather 770.
The by-election was triggered by Ms White’s resignation from Bassetlaw District Council after she took advice from senior officials about a potential conflict between her responsibilities as a Home Office minister and her council role.
She said at the time: “My ministerial responsibilities can, at times, overlap with the work of local government, creating the risk of potential conflicts of interest between the two roles.
“I believe stepping down is the right decision.”
A total of 1,304 ballot papers were issued in Thursday’s by-election, with turnout recorded at 27.82%.
The result adds to the pressure on Labour as Reform continues to challenge the party’s support in communities across England.
Humiliation for Andy Burnham as Labour Vote Nosedives 34% in Election Hammering by Reform
Andy Burnham has suffered a major political setback after Labour experienced a dramatic collapse in support, with its vote reportedly falling by 34 per cent in a significant election defeat to Reform UK. The result has intensified concerns about Labour’s position among voters and raised fresh questions about the party’s future direction. Once regarded as one of Labour’s most influential political figures, Burnham now faces growing pressure as the party struggles to maintain public confidence amid rising frustration over the economy, public services and the government’s handling of key national issues. Reform UK’s strong performance has further demonstrated the changing political landscape in Britain, where traditional party loyalties appear increasingly vulnerable. The election result has sent shockwaves through Labour circles, with party members questioning how support could have fallen so sharply in an area where Labour previously enjoyed considerable backing. For Burnham, the setback is particularly uncomfortable because of his reputation as a popular political figure with strong connections to working-class communities. His political career has been built partly on presenting himself as a champion of ordinary people, particularly those living outside London. However, the latest figures suggest that Labour’s traditional message is facing serious challenges. Reform UK has successfully attracted voters who feel disappointed with the established political parties, focusing its campaign on immigration, the cost of living, public spending and dissatisfaction with the political establishment. Its growing support has placed Labour under increasing pressure to explain why so many former supporters appear willing to consider alternatives. The reported 34 per cent decline in Labour’s vote has become a particularly important talking point, although the precise meaning of the figure depends on whether it refers to a percentage-point change, a relative fall in vote share or another electoral measure. Nevertheless, the result highlights the scale of the challenge facing the party. Many voters are concerned about the rising cost of everyday essentials, including food, housing, energy and transport. Although Labour entered government promising economic stability and improvements to public services, many households continue to experience financial pressure. For families struggling to pay bills, political promises are increasingly being judged against everyday reality. The NHS remains another major concern. Long waiting lists, pressure on hospitals and difficulties accessing GP appointments have created frustration among patients. Local councils are also facing financial difficulties, while housing shortages and concerns about community safety continue to influence political discussions. Reform UK has attempted to turn these frustrations into electoral support by presenting itself as an alternative to the established political parties. Its campaign has appealed to voters who believe that successive governments have failed to deliver meaningful improvements. The party has also benefited from growing dissatisfaction with immigration policy and the perception that political leaders are not listening to public concerns. Burnham’s position is complicated by his political identity. As Greater Manchester mayor, he has developed a profile that extends beyond traditional Westminster politics. He has frequently spoken about regional inequality, investment outside the South East and the need to give local communities greater control over their futures. These issues remain important to many voters, but the latest election result suggests that Labour’s broader national difficulties could undermine even its most recognisable regional figures. Political observers will now be watching closely to see how Burnham responds to the setback. He may face questions about whether Labour needs to reconsider its priorities, improve communication with voters or adopt a stronger position on issues that have helped Reform UK gain support. However, it would be premature to assume that one disappointing result automatically determines his political future. Electoral outcomes are influenced by local circumstances, candidate popularity, turnout and national political trends. Reform UK’s success also presents its own challenges. Winning votes is only one part of building a sustainable political movement. The party will need to demonstrate that it can turn its promises into practical policies and provide credible answers on public services, economic growth and local government. Voters who have supported Reform because of dissatisfaction with Labour and the Conservatives will expect visible results if the party gains greater political influence. Meanwhile, Labour faces the difficult task of rebuilding trust. The party must convince voters that it understands their concerns and has a realistic plan to improve living standards. This means addressing not only national economic figures but also the everyday problems experienced by working families, pensioners and younger generations. The political consequences of the result could extend well beyond a single election. If Reform continues to attract voters who previously supported Labour, the balance of British politics could change significantly. Traditional political divisions between Labour and the Conservatives may become less predictable, particularly in communities where economic frustration and concerns about immigration have become central electoral issues. For Andy Burnham, the latest setback is a reminder that political popularity cannot be taken for granted. His reputation and experience may provide important advantages, but voters ultimately judge politicians on their ability to respond to the issues affecting their lives. Labour’s declining support represents a serious warning that the party cannot rely indefinitely on its historical identity or previous electoral successes. As Reform celebrates its growing influence, Labour must confront an uncomfortable reality: a significant number of voters are prepared to abandon the party if they believe their concerns are being ignored. Whether Burnham can help restore confidence and whether Labour can reverse its declining support remain important questions for the future of British politics. One thing is certain: the pressure on Labour is growing, and the party will need more than reassuring speeches to convince disappointed voters that it deserves their support again.