Tamworth residents explain why they voted Reform over Labour - 'immigration is one reason'

Reform UK secured every seat up for election in Tamworth Borough, Staffordshire, marking a significant shift in local politics as Labour lost its grip after holding power since 2024. The borough, one of the smallest in England, had been Conservative-controlled for nearly two decades before Labour won a by-election in 2023. This time, Reform took all nine contested seats, leaving Labour with no representation in the newly elected council despite retaining its overall majority. Local business owner Brad Bramley, a Reform voter and former UKIP supporter, cited immigration as a primary reason for his decision. He highlighted the presence of an asylum hotel in Tamworth, criticizing what he described as visible signs of unmanaged migration, including asylum seekers walking around in dressing gowns. Bramley also expressed frustration with high taxes and called on Reform to address economic issues and improve the local area. Taxi driver Tom, voting Reform for the first time, rejected accusations of racism, insisting his concerns stemmed from broader dissatisfaction with Labour’s leadership. He noted that many of his customers, previously Labour voters, had also shifted their support, reflecting a national trend of declining Labour influence in local elections. Long-time Labour supporter Mick Dayton, 73, expressed disappointment but remained committed to the party, dismissing Reform’s victory as a rejection of Labour’s leadership rather than a policy shift. He predicted Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, could emerge as the next Labour leader, though he questioned the party’s ability to regain public trust under current conditions. The results in Tamworth mirror broader trends in the UK’s local elections, where Reform UK made significant gains while Labour faced heavy losses. The shift underscores growing voter frustration with immigration and economic policies, with residents prioritizing parties perceived as addressing these issues more effectively.