Challenging Reform UK in the Council

For many of us May brought a huge shift in our local political landscape. While it was very positive for the Liberal Democrats (we gained 370 councillors overall, took control of Oxfordshire outright and run others in minority administrations), the new landscape has brought new challenges. How do we campaign effectively from within the council? What do we focus on? And how do we show that Reform UK are not the solution to decades of Conservative or Labour administrations?

The key thing to remember is the basics have not changed. As explained in our blog last week, emotion beats explanation. Reform will constantly say and do completely mad things. Things that offend us, that wind us up and make us angry. But we can do liberal things that have the same impact on them. And get us the traction to win more votes and more seats.

Are Reform not just the continuity Conservatives?

Reform UK consider themselves to be the fierce alternative to the Conservatives. The common-sense party. Tackling inefficiencies and stopping waste. As they make decisions, however, it is very simple to point out that they are bringing nothing new to the table.

So far, we have seen former Conservative councillors who have defected just this year, become Reform cabinet members and leaders. Reform UK is full of career politicians, riding the wave of populism to keep their positions.

And we can rightly point this out. Why did they vote for the very budget they are now attacking?  Will they be changing the strategic plans of the council going forward or just complain about the former administration? Asking these questions at a cabinet meeting led to me being quoted in the Telegraph after the leader of Worcestershire County Council refused to answer any questions on her plans. When we got this out to the public locally, the ‘typical politicians’ label started to hit Reform. While not something we necessarily want to be the view of the public, removing the ‘Reform are different’ idea has helped reset the arguments and the public mindset.

Many Reform-led councils are having to follow the previous administrations’ corporate plan. While this is not entirely their fault (budgets were already set), it is something we, as Liberal Democrat opposition, need to ensure they are held to. The Reform mantra of “family, community, and country” sounds great, but what policies has this led to? Asking questions about their plans for libraries, adult social care and children’s services are quickly revealing that little is changing in the councils, and making that point continues to erode the idea that Reform are something new.

What about when they do something new?

Some Reform groups are beginning to find their feet, and it is the populist policies where they are trying to have an impact. Flag motions, removing climate change targets and cutting spending have been their most popular topics. Much of this has not, however, led to actual visible benefit to the public. In fact, a lot of it has looked like a waste of time.

As Liberal Democrats, we must show residents we are focused on what matters. Climate change is not always on everyone’s mind, but reducing energy bills usually is. While the Lib Dems are focused on lowering energy bills to save residents money, Reform are focused on making things more expensive. Keep the message simple and don’t get bogged down in the detail. Gas is what is causing the spikes in energy costs, not solar panels.

We must also remember that Reform’s approach has already sparked concern – calls to appoint political advisers at public expense in Warwickshire, and vague promises around public services, reveal a movement more focused on headlines than delivery. Raising that issue in the council is worth it. In Kent, Lancashire and Worcestershire, Reform have promised savings, suggesting council tax can go down, indicating that waste is abound. But what have they found? Repeatedly pushing them on this point, especially when DOGE arrives, is a way to highlight the promises that they are making cannot be kept.

How do we counter Reform in the council?

It all comes down to framing ourselves as the only viable challengers to Reform. But we also need a positive message to take to residents. Call out the inaction (or failure), but make it clear we have a positive alternative. Key ways to cut through include:

1. Reinforce local trust: Residents respond to positive, alternative messaging. Reform thrives when people feel let down and we’re the only party building communities up. Keep up the highly visible, engaged Lib Dem style campaigning. Use the council to present petitions, raise motions and ask questions about what matters to residents and don’t be afraid to show we don’t agree with them.

2. Differentiate on substance: While Reform UK focuses on emotive culture-war stances, we need to emphasise our evidence-based policy that supports communities. Be emotional about the lack of action on tackling speeding in your area, or the need to protect your local library. But Knock and drop surveys will show that flags flown at county hall are not at the top of most people’s list!

3. Hold Reform UK to account: As seen in many councils, Reform councillors do not have the answers they promised. Where you can see they are flagging, take the opportunity to ask the questions. When they have made a poor decision, call it in and make them defend it.

4. Present a vision that shows you are different: don’t shy away from showing you are different from Reform. The Conservatives and Labour are spending too long trying to be ‘almost Reform’. We need to show we have the solutions to problems people care about, not get bogged down in the fear. Although it is hard sometimes, do not get distracted by ideology or national posturing.

The Liberal Democrats are the natural antidote to Reform. We can use our councils to show we are the ones with the solutions. We need to be calm, positive, and credible, with our actions rooted in community leadership. And occasionally, when you see an opportunity, don’t be afraid to have a little fun too.