This summer, the political landscape in parts of England shifted dramatically as Reform UK took control of 10 local councils. This move offered the first real-world glimpse into how Nigel Farage's party might govern if it ever reached the heights of national power in Downing Street.
A Lancashire Laboratory
For the past seven months, journalist Helen Pidd has been closely monitoring the situation in her home county of Lancashire, one of the authorities now under Reform's leadership. The experiment posed a critical question: would the party's much-vaunted 'anti-woke' agenda buckle under the weight of practical governance, or would Reform prove its critics wrong by managing competently?
The council was already facing significant financial trouble when Reform assumed power. The new administration promised sweeping, Doge-style cost-cutting measures, vowing to slash wasteful spending and curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Promises Meet Reality
However, within a few months, the challenges of local governance became starkly apparent. One early and controversial plan involved the proposed closure of a local care home, a decision that left residents and their families furious. Simultaneously, the council witnessed a record number of complaints being lodged against its newly elected Reform councillors.
These events have sparked intense scrutiny. The situation in Lancashire is being watched as a potential bellwether, indicating whether Reform's political rhetoric can be translated into effective and responsible administration, especially when dealing with sensitive frontline services.
What This Means for National Politics
The Lancashire experience serves as a crucial case study. It tests Reform UK's capacity to move beyond campaigning and into the complex arena of daily public service delivery. The party's performance here, managing budgets and contentious local issues, will likely be cited as evidence for or against its suitability for higher office.
As the national political conversation continues, the events unfolding in these 10 local councils provide tangible, on-the-ground data. The coming months will reveal if Reform can stabilise the finances and service delivery it inherited, or if the initial turmoil proves indicative of its governing style.
