Ralph Ashenhurst

Labour remains the largest force in English local government, controlling roughly one-third of all councils.

Historic. That's the only word for it. Wigan has been Labour since 1918; the council run by Labour since its creation. Reform won 24 of the 25 seats up there. There were likewise HUGE Reform gains in: Sunderland, Halton, St Helens, Hull, Hartlepool, Tameside, Sheffield, Barnsley, Grimsby, and Gateshead. The Red Wall has collapsed. Nigel Farage has built a Teal Wall in its stead. Countless towns that have been Labour since WW1 are now Reform. But what makes today truly historic is that everywhere else was equally seismic. In the Conservative heartlands? Reform won 53 of the 73 seats up in Essex. Over half the seats in Suffolk. And gained 38 seats in Norfolk. In Middle England? There were massive Reform gains in Tamworth, Thurrock, Newcastle under Lyme, Cannock Chase, Havering, and Lincolnshire. And strong results in Birmingham, Southampton, Portsmouth, Peterborough, Redditch, and Gosport. And, of course, a sensational result in Wales. Reform, the official opposition. Labour, relegated to minor party status. What would Nye Bevan make of that? What does Neil Kinnock? And a strong showing in Scotland too. Why has all this happened? 

Quite simply, a majority across Britain have had enough. Of Starmer and Labour. But also of the state of Britain. Of the open borders, stagnant wages, dilapidated high streets, and broken public services. The majority has had enough of the weak leadership we’ve had over the last few decades. 

When he returned nearly two years ago, Nigel Farage raised the standard. He declared the need for real change. And today, just like last year, millions right across Britain rallied to him. In the Welsh Valleys and in Lothian. In Lancashire and Nottinghamshire. Across Yorkshire and the Midlands; the East and South East. 

What happens now? Get Starmer Out; the slogan will become the reality. Already, senior Labour MPs are publicly demanding he commits to quitting. And then a Labour leadership contest, where all the candidates will compete over who can do the best Zack Polanski impression. Starmer has been the worst PM of my lifetime, but what comes next could be even worse. Today’s results give me hope. A Britain-wide majority for change is emerging and has rallied behind Reform. But I am scared of what Labour & Polanski might inflict on us next. And that's why we mustn't let up for a second. Back Reform. Save Britain. 🇬🇧

🚨 WATCH: Keir Starmer says he will set out his "values and convictions" that drive him as PM on Monday "The hope wasn't there enough in the first two years of this Government. That's why it's important for me now to set out where hope resides"