Reform UK is gearing up for its first by-election battles of the year as it seeks another record year of victories.
A total of two by-elections will be held on Thursday, just days after Nadhim Zahawi jumped ship in what is probably the most high-profile Tory defection so far.
The move has divided Reform’s base, with some viewing the former chancellor’s leap as a sign the party is professionalising, while others fear it’s becoming the Tories 2.0.
An exclusive poll for GB News Members suggests the move was wise, with 80 per cent of the 1,803 respondents saying it will help Reform win the next general election, compared to 20 per cent who felt it would hinder the party.
Voters could be looking to deliver their verdict as they head to the polls tomorrow.
The by-elections are the first of several key tests for Reform this year, as the party will look to see success in the May local elections.
And the party will also be hoping to carry forward its momentum from 2025, a year in which it won more council seats than any other party.
A Reform UK spokesman told GB News: “In 2025, Reform UK won more council seats than any party.
“We look forward to continuing this success in 2026 across England as well as the Scottish and Welsh parliamentary elections.”
Though Reform remains in the top spot in national opinion polls, a fresh poll showed the party’s share of the vote has fallen to its lowest since April last year.
The You Gov poll put the party at 24 per cent, down two per cent from last week.
The Tories meanwhile scored 20 per cent and Labour 19 per cent.
In his New Year address, Mr Farage set his sights on this year’s local elections and urged people to show their support for his party.
He said: “I’ll make this prediction: if Reform win those elections, if we come top, it will put us way ahead of the other parties. Already, we’ve led for 175 opinion polls in a row.
“Our average lead is 10 per cent. If we get this right on May 7 this year, we will go on and win that general election. We will then absolutely have a chance of genuinely, fundamentally, change the whole system of government in Britain.”
Nigel Farage set his sights on this year’s local elections in his New Year address
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REFORM UKHeworth ward, York
The first of two by-elections will be held in the Heworth ward at the City of York Council.
The by-election was sparked following the resignation of Labour Councillor, Ben Burton.
Labour candidate Anna Catherine Perrett will be looking to fend off the competition and keep hold of the seat for her party.
If she was to see success in the polls, Ms Perrett has pledged to tackle the cost of living in the area, including through setting up new breakfast clubs.
She also plans to invest in the roads, such as through improving cycle markings, and improve local green spaces.
The full list of candidates are:
- Reform: John Edward Crispin-Bailey
- Conservative: Emma Dolben
- Lib Dems: Ian Eiloart
- Greens: Ben Ffrench
- Independent: Emma Victoria Hardy
- Labour: Anna Catherine Perrett
John Edward Crispin-Bailey is Reform’s candidate for the Heworth ward by-election
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Bridgemary ward, Gosport
A by-election will also be held in the Bridgemary ward on Gosport Borough Council in Hampshire.
It follows the death of Liberal Democrat councillor, Bob Maynard, who had served the area since first being elected in 2022.
Paying tribute following his death, council leader, Councillor Peter Chegwyn, said: “Bob was a tireless champion for the Bridgemary Ward.
“He was one of Gosport’s hardest-working councillors and he was liked and respected by all who knew him.
“Bob had a particular interest in environmental issues and improving sports and leisure facilities in the Borough.
“The new play area in the Bridgemary Ward and the new floodlights for the Bridgemary skatepark which he successfully campaigned for are just part of the legacy he has left to Gosport. We will miss him greatly.”
Gosport Borough Council announced the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Bob Maynard in November last year
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GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL
Looking to keep hold of the Liberal Democrat seat is candidate Stephen James Marshall.
The full list of candidates are:
- Reform: Paul Carter
- Conservatives: Kath Jones
- Lib Dems: Stephen James Marshall
- Labour: Claire Percival