Opinion polls suggest Reform UK is poised for significant gains in May’s local elections, and their presence is noticeably shaking up Dudley’s political scene. With 25 council seats up for grabs and candidates in every ward, Reform could soon wield considerable influence in the borough.
We asked Dudley’s key political figures how they view this rising challenger.
Conservative leader Cllr Patrick Harley described Reform as having “filled the vacuum” left as the Tories recovered from their 2024 general election defeat. “For nearly two years, no one seemed to listen, and Reform took advantage of that gap,” he said. However, Harley dismissed defectors from the Conservatives to Reform as “more of the same,” emphasizing that current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has built a strong team moving forward.
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Harley also defended his firm stance on asylum seeker accommodations, addressing Reform candidate and ex-Tory MP Marco Longhi: “They claim to be different, but our track record is anything but quiet. If Reform is trying to ‘out-Tory’ the Tories, so be it.”
Labour’s Dudley leader, Cllr Adam Aston, observed that national politics will heavily influence the local vote. “Reform doesn’t hold the answers for Dudley," he said, adding that their campaign feels more like a general election push centered around Nigel Farage, who dominates their messaging. Aston cautioned that potential losses on May 7 may not reflect local councillors’ performance but broader political sentiments.
The Black Country Party, currently the third-largest faction on the council, acknowledges Reform’s appeal among voters disillusioned with traditional politics. Leader Cllr Pete Lowe noted, “Reform markets itself as anti-establishment, but it’s actually quite entrenched. Still, many voters don’t see that since they lack strong Westminster or local representation.”
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats find that while some voters lean toward Reform in national contests, they are open to splitting their vote locally. Cllr Ryan Priest stated, “In wards lacking strong candidates, Reform picks up votes, but it’s our mission to present a better plan. Reform isn’t generating excitement—it’s more seen as a fallback.”
The Greens remain committed to a positive, collaborative approach. Dudley co-chair Stephen Price emphasized, “We look for common ground and reject negative campaigning. Our focus is on unity and constructive progress for the community.”
As Dudley approaches this pivotal election, Reform UK’s rise underscores shifting political allegiances and poses fresh challenges for established parties.