Reform UK Gains Wolverhampton Council Seat from Labour in By-Election

Reform UK has secured a council seat in Wolverhampton, previously held by Labour, following a by-election prompted by the death of a councillor. The vacancy arose after Sue Roberts MBE, who was elected to represent Bilston North in 2023, passed away; her death was announced in August, leading to an outpouring of tributes. On Thursday, Reform UK candidate Anita Stanley garnered 652 votes. This total was nearly 200 votes more than Labour received, with Labour having only narrowly surpassed the Greens. The Conservative party recorded 257 votes. Zia Yusuf, Chairman of Reform UK, characterized the outcome as a “stunning victory,” asserting that it demonstrated the vulnerability of all Labour seats. He further commented that the Conservatives were falling “even further behind.” He continued by stating, “Reform is rapidly opening local branches and assembling its ground campaigning capabilities.” Yusuf also predicted, “By the time of the English county council elections in May, Reform will be a formidable electoral force.”