Reform UK appears poised for significant gains in the May local elections, according to opinion polls, prompting reactions from political leaders in Dudley. The council has 25 seats up for election on polling day, and Reform has fielded a candidate for every seat, potentially making the party a major force in the authority.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the borough's political leaders about the challenge posed by this relatively new political entity.
Conservative Leader's Perspective
Dudley Conservative leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, attributed Reform's rise to his party's struggles following a crushing general election defeat in 2024. He stated, "There is a period when no one wants to listen to you and Reform filled that vacuum; there has been a sufficient gap of almost two years." Harley noted that current national Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has now built her own team. He dismissed former Tories who defect to Reform, questioning, "Is that the change you want? More of the same." Harley also defended his hardline stance on asylum hotels and criticized Reform council candidate and former Conservative MP Marco Longhi. He added, "The likes of Longhi will jump up and down and say 'they are copying us' but our track record has always been outspoken. I've always taken a tough stance and will continue to do so. If people think that's out Reforming Reform fine – maybe Reform are trying to out Tory the Tories."
Labour Leader's View
Labour's popularity has slumped since ousting the Tories in Westminster, and Dudley's Labour leader, Councillor Adam Aston, believes national issues will influence local election outcomes. He commented, "I don't believe Reform is the answer to Dudley's problems; they seem to be fighting a general election campaign. Every leaflet I have seen, it appears that Nigel Farage is standing for election in every Dudley seat because he seems to be the only person who features in their literature. If there is a bad result on May 7, I don't necessarily think it will be down to local councillors who haven't been doing their jobs. It has always been the case at local elections that people lose their seats through no fault of their own."
Black Country Party's Take
The Black Country Party, currently the third largest group on Dudley Council, also expects Reform to make gains. Party leader Councillor Pete Lowe observed, "Where Reform are building is where people are disaffected with politics and they see Reform as the alternative anti-establishment organisation. You couldn't get any more establishment than Reform, but I fully understand how people don't see that because they are not overtly represented within Westminster or the local authority."
Liberal Democrats and Greens Respond
The Liberal Democrats report that voters say they will back Reform in a general election but may split their vote for local elections, recognizing good local candidates. Dudley Lib Dem Leader Councillor Ryan Priest said, "Where there is no good local candidate, votes go to Reform; it's our job to convince people there is a better plan. I'm not seeing excitement about Reform – people think it is a necessity."
The Greens, another alternative to the major parties, are taking a collaborative approach. Dudley co-chair Stephen Price stated, "We will see what candidates are standing, how committed and how easy they are to work with, but my approach is to find common ground at all times. What I don't enjoy is negative campaigning; it is not helpful. We need to find ways to come together and be positive about our area."
