Reform and Liberal Democrats claim new victories in local by-elections, dealing another blow to the Conservatives in key constituencies across England.
The Conservative Party has faced a fresh wave of local by-election setbacks across England, with Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats securing key victories in areas represented by senior Tory Figures, including Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, and Mel Stride.
The results mark the latest in a series of defeats for the ruling party, intensifying pressure on its leadership and reflecting broader discontent among voters ahead of the next general election.
In Kemi Badenoch’s constituency, the Conservatives slipped to third place in a parish council race that had previously been held by an independent candidate. The result drew sharp reactions from opponents, with Reform UK describing the outcome as a “disaster” for the Tories.
In Robert Jenrick’s Newark constituency, Reform achieved two local wins—both formerly held by independents. One of the contests was particularly close, with just 11 votes separating the Reform candidate from the Conservative challenger.
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A Reform UK spokesperson said the results shattered any lingering optimism within the party. “If any Conservatives believed a change of leader could rescue their standing, these results should end that illusion,” the spokesman declared. “For Kemi’s Tories to come third in her own constituency is worse than embarrassing—it’s a disaster.”
In Mel Stride’s Devon seat, the Liberal Democrats also made advances, taking control of two local council seats previously held by a Green councilor and an Independent. Celebrating the win, a party spokesperson quipped that “the only sum Mel Stride needs to do now is how long he has until he’s out of a job.”
The Liberal Democrats further claimed that the “crumbling remains of the Blue Wall” were on notice, adding that former Tory supporters felt “abandoned by Kemi Badenoch’s shift to the right, mimicking Farage instead of standing up for true British values.”
While none of the contested seats were previously held by the Conservatives, the symbolic losses highlight the party’s continued struggles to regain voter confidence. The defeats also come amid rising support for Reform UK, which has been climbing steadily in national opinion polls—often placing the Conservatives in fourth position.
Earlier this year, the Conservatives suffered what analysts described as a “historic collapse” in local elections, losing control of 16 councils and nearly 700 councilors nationwide. The latest by-election results now signal that the recovery Prime Ministerial allies had hoped for remains elusive.
