Cleverly Maintains Conservatives Remain Largest Right-Wing Party Despite Reform UK Gains

Shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly has affirmed the Conservative Party's continued position as the predominant force on the right of British politics, even as Reform UK achieved considerable electoral successes last Thursday.

Cleverly characterised Reform UK as a 'cult of personality', stating, 'Nigel [Farage] is not a policy, being angry at stuff is not a policy.' He contrasted this with the Conservatives' commitment to 'reducing taxes, protecting borders, funding the armed forces and making sure we liberate businesses.'

In response, Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, declared his party's electoral performance represented a 'seismic earthquake in British politics'. Reform UK secured over 1,450 council seats and gained control of 14 councils, displacing Conservatives in areas like Suffolk and Essex, and making inroads into traditional Labour strongholds such as Sunderland and Barnsley. The party also finished second in the Welsh Parliament elections and jointly second with Labour in Scotland.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, noted 'historic vote shifts', suggesting the 'old ideas of left and right have literally been blown apart'. Tice also highlighted the scrutiny his party faced, noting voters nonetheless opted for 'more Reform please'.

Conservative support in England declined by 11 points compared to the 2022 local elections, losing more than half of its defended seats, particularly where Reform UK's vote share was highest. Despite this, the Conservatives reclaimed traditional strongholds in Westminster and Wandsworth, London.

Sir James expressed confidence in future Conservative gains, stating, 'I am absolutely confident we'll see the acceleration of support coming to the Conservatives.' He criticised other parties, including Reform UK, for 'doing this pick and mix of populist policies', claiming Reform UK 'don't know where they stand on cutting the welfare bill' and 'are not delivering a centre-right, right-wing position'.

The Green Party of England and Wales also made substantial gains, securing control of seats in London, Norwich, and Hastings. Its leader, Zack Polanski, declared two-party politics 'dead and buried', asserting, 'It's very clear that the new politics is the Green Party versus Reform.'