After a year of Reform UK in local government, the cracks are starting to show
Reform UK is expected to expand its presence in local government in England with over 5,000 seats being contested across 136 councils. The party's first year in power has revealed signs of its interests, including scaling back climate commitments and endorsing fracking despite local opposition.
Reform UK is set to expand its foothold in local government in England with over 5,000 seats being contested across 136 councils. The party took control of ten local authorities in 2025, its first real experience of power. Reform UK's track record in local government has revealed signs of its interests, including scaling back climate commitments and removing net-zero targets. The party's fossil fuel donors account for more than two-thirds of its financial backing, and it has endorsed fracking despite local opposition. In some areas, local representatives have broken from the national party line on fracking, reflecting a tension between the interests of its elite backers and its popular base. The party's actions in local government may indicate what a UK government led by Reform UK might look like.
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