Shocking Turnaround: Reform UK Claims Historic Seat in Basildon Council

In a historic win, Reform UK has successfully claimed its first seat on Basildon Council, marking a pivotal moment for the party. Candidate Sarah-Jane Shields received 922 votes during a by-election in Wickford Park, which was called to replace the late David Harrison, a long-serving and independent councillor since 1971. Harrison passed away in April after battling a long illness.

This victory is part of a broader trend, as Reform UK has achieved considerable success in Essex, securing four additional seats in May across different councils: one in Castle Point, another in Harlow, and two in Thurrock.

In the recent by-election, the nearest competitor was the Conservative party, polling 840 votes. Other parties struggled to gain traction, with the Liberal Democrats receiving only 171 votes, the Wickford Independents (the late councillor’s former party) at 148, and Labour trailing with 146 votes. The voter turnout for this significant electoral event was recorded at 25.5%.

Looking ahead, Basildon will see another by-election soon, as a seat in St Martin’s is up for grabs following the resignation of Labour’s Maryam Yaqub on July 17. This ongoing shift in local politics highlights the emerging presence of Reform UK in the region and its potential impact on future elections.