Stephen Atkinson

This month marks a year since the Reform UK Group was established at the LGA. Since then, Reform’s footprint has grown significantly. We now lead three times as many administrations, giving us a stronger voice and greater responsibility to residents. Our 2025 administrations have set a strong example, showing that Reform UK councils can govern responsibly, focus on residents’ priorities and make tangible improvements.

Following this year’s local elections, Reform UK is now the third-largest group at the LGA. To have achieved that just months after establishing our political group office in September last year is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the passion and hard work of our candidates, councillors, activists and members across the country.

As we enter those final few days before our residents cast their votes in the local elections, I know many colleagues will be in the throes of a final campaign push before the ballot boxes open. This is an important time for local government, as people up and down the country make their voices heard. Irrespective of the outcome of these local elections, it is so important that we do not lose sight of local government reorganisation (LGR), and we continue to hold the Government to account.