Nigel Farage is optimistic about Reform UK’s potential council seat gains in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and the Forest of Dean. However, he refrains from specifying what number would constitute success for his party. During his visit to Gloucestershire to meet with candidates for the upcoming County Council election, the Clacton MP expressed his hopes for the party’s performance.
The Conservative-led Shire Hall has been in power since 2005, with no Reform UK councillors currently in office. Farage anticipates an “interesting election,” particularly in “a lot of three-way marginals,” as indicated during his conversation with the Local Democracy Reporting Service at the Clavell and Hind Brewery and Tap Room.
Regarding concerns about potentially splitting the conservative vote in the county, Farage stated that his party is “replacing the Conservatives nationally.” He highlighted that Reform UK is already ahead of the Conservatives in the North of England, Midlands, Wales, and Scotland.
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Commenting on the Conservative’s performance in the general election in Gloucestershire, Farage noted a significant 22% decline in the Conservative vote, with expectations of a further decrease in the upcoming election.
He expressed adamant disapproval for the actions of the Conservative Party and emphasized that “there is no forgiveness” for their impact on the country. In light of opinion polls indicating that the Liberal Democrats are set to become the largest party on the council after May 1, Farage underscored Reform UK’s position coming up through the middle amidst the shifting landscape.
He pointed out the presence of numerous three-seat marginals, particularly in areas like the Forest of Dean, Cheltenham, and Gloucester, which strongly identify with the pro-Brexit stance, serving as natural starting points for their campaign.
When pressed for a specific target for his party’s performance, Farage declined to provide a number, stating that a “good number of seats out of the 55” would be preferable, without committing further.
The article also provides information on the full list of candidates standing, including those from the Conservatives, Green Party, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats.