Reform UK has surged in national polls and took control of 10 English councils in May 2025, prompting scrutiny of how it governs locally as a possible preview of a Reform-led national government.
Reform UK’s first six months running major councils have exposed serious weaknesses within both the party and local government. Reform took power in these councils with almost no organisational structure, minimal experience, and poorly vetted candidates. The outcome has been complete turmoil.
Kent — promoted as Reform’s “flagship” council — has become the most visible collapse. A leaked video of leader Linden Kemkaran angrily dressing down colleagues prompted mass resignations and expulsions, while others have left over criminal investigations or defections. At this pace, Reform may lose control of the council within months. Similar instability has hit Durham, Doncaster and other areas, with suspensions, walkouts and scandals piling up. Since May, more than 40 Reform councillors have already quit.
Nigel Farage’s strict, centralised control over Reform UK risks turning its newly won councils into dysfunction. Inexperienced councillors, vague national policies, and Farage’s habit of blocking independent views could create chaos, disputes, and policy paralysis. This micromanagement may publicly expose Reform as unprepared and unable to govern effectively.
RUK Councils and RUK winning nationally
Despite local challenges, analysts doubt these issues will significantly harm Reform at a general election, because voters mainly support the party over immigration and their dissatisfaction with Labour and the Conservatives.
After six months running councils, Reform is:
- Highly visible and heavily scrutinised.
- Internally fractious with notable public rows.
- Struggling to deliver its promises of dramatic savings.
- Confronting the same structural problems that constrain every administration.
RUK Council mismanagement’s implications for national governance
- Local difficulties foreshadow national limits.
- Reform is learning that efficiency drives don’t generate instant, large savings.
- Big cuts to frontline services or benefits would be politically near-impossible.
Why are RUK councils are struggling?
Click below to uncover the assorted internal RUK problems behind the council chaos:
RUK Staffers are incompetent amateurs
RUK’s Internal instability as Councillors Quit
RUK councillors fail to understand hard truths about local government
Broken promises – cutting waste and lower council tax
RUK councils could go bankrupt
Reform Council corruption
RUK councils banning local media/free speech hypocrisy
RUK councils culture wars
Contradictions between RUK national and council policy
Reform Councils cutting services
STOP REFORM UK 