There may no longer be space for two major parties of the traditional middle after Reform’s disruption
Keir Starmer risks losing strategy focus if he loses seats to Plaid Cymru and the SNP in 2026 elections
Labour and the Conservatives need to work on their popularity — a harder task for a badly-hit opposition party
Local elections cement union concerns about Labour’s traditional base pivoting to populist right
Insurgent party’s phenomenal success is threatening Britain’s political status quo
Big two parties lose ground while rightwing rival surges in council and mayoral polls
Widespread local election wins raise prospect of populist party becoming Labour’s main opposition
Reform party’s rout in local elections poses huge challenges for Conservatives and Labour
Rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK threatens the Labour-Conservative duopoly
Britain does not have a populist problem. It has an unpopularist problem
With a more volatile electorate, all parties need to adapt to face down populism
Runcorn by-election points to risk of fragmented voter preferences and timidity in grappling with UK public realm
Reform ahead so far in more local council seats than every other party put together
Nigel Farage’s party is bolstered by disillusionment in the country rather than its policies
Electoral system may throw up unexpected results, with voters seeming less driven by party differences
Reform UK expected to make gains in councils and closely fought Runcorn by-election
Reflections on the slow pace of regeneration ahead of crucial election this week
People in Nigel Farage’s party say changes to vetting process are bearing fruit
Ed Davey’s party wants to build on general election success and this time win council seats in Tory heartlands
Nigel Farage’s insurgent party is enjoying political momentum, but below the surface are sharp obstacles to long-term success
Vote could signal beginning of end of Labour-Tory grip on politics as Reform UK and Lib Dems seek gains, analysts say
Downing Street fears Starmer will lose support to Farage but imitating him will alienate other groups it needs on side
Veteran analyst’s comments come as voters prepare to go to polls in England on Thursday
Contest for north-west English seat comes as populist party seeks to capitalise on wave of anti-government hostility
