Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch are bracing their parties for a Reform-quake as the polls close on council and mayoral elections across England.
The major poll marks the first big test for Britain’s political parties since last July’s general election, at which Labour secured a landslide win. They face a twin challenge of local elections across England and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, a seat Labour won convincingly in 2024 but that is expected to go down to the wire in a contest with Reform UK.
And the Tories – facing their first set of elections under new leader Badenoch – are hoping to stage a recovery from last summer’s historic defeat.
Both Labour and the Conservatives are facing a recent surge in support for Reform UK, while a strong showing is also expected from the Liberal Democrats and Greens.
Nigel Farage’s party are expected to be the big winners from Thursday’s council contests with some pollsters suggesting Reform could scoop more than 500 seats.
Reform are also the bookies’ favourites to win the parliamentary by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, triggered by the resignation of ex-Labour MP Mike Amesbury.
And, in what would represent a stunning night of success, polls have signalled Reform will win mayoral contests in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire.
As voters went to the polls across England today, the Reform leader said his party would take seats from both Labour and the Conservatives – and could be on the brink of ‘the biggest political earthquake yet’.
Live updates below