La marea di Farage travolge l'Inghilterra: Reform dilaga ovunque nelle elezioni amministrative | Corriere.it

Strong Showing by Reform Party

The Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage, achieved a surprising success in recent UK local elections. The party's gains have been described as a seismic shock to the traditional political landscape.

Key Results

• Victory in a by-election in Runcorn, previously held by Labour with a significant majority.
• Control of Lincolnshire, with 42% of the vote, surpassing the Conservatives.
• Strong showings in Labour-held areas, demonstrating a national trend.

Political Implications

The results mark the end of the traditional Labour-Conservative duopoly. Reform is now seen as the main opposition to the Labour government. This fragmentation of the political system is also attributed to the performances of the Liberal Democrats and Green parties.

Reasons for Reform's Success

The rise of Reform is largely seen as a protest vote against the establishment. With voters disillusioned by both Labour and the Conservatives, they have turned to the populist alternative. Immigration concerns, a key Reform platform, play a significant role in this shift. The party's gains are also linked to the long-term economic struggles faced by working-class people since the 2008 financial crisis.

Future Outlook

While the local election results do not directly translate to national impact, the party's performance hints at significant potential in future general elections. The possibility of Farage as Prime Minister is no longer considered far-fetched.