Reform UK must prove competence in Havering, says Assembly Member

Reform UK must use its leadership of Havering Council to prove to Londoners that the party is "solid, competent and stable," according to Assembly Member Alex Wilson. The party secured 39 of the 55 seats in the borough during May's local elections, establishing its first council administration in the capital.

Havering represents a rare success for Reform UK in London, a region where the party achieved 13 per cent of votes in the recent local elections. This figure was considered "a notable undershoot of expectations" by pollsters More in Common. Alex Wilson, Reform UK's leader on the London Assembly, suggested that the party needs to overcome the city's distinct demographic and political characteristics by "leading by example" in areas where it holds power.

Demonstrating Governance

"Where we have taken power in Havering, our flagship borough in London, we can show that we can actually run a solid, competent, stable administration, and be a beacon to show not just what Reform can do in London, but also the country," Wilson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. He added that the party must "lead by example, where we’ve got power, where we use it, but also just keep working hard."

Wilson acknowledged that "London has a very different demographic and political mix to the rest of the country, and that’s just something we have to deal with." He noted that while Reform UK has been effective in by-elections nationally, particularly in seats previously held by Labour, the party has struggled to gain traction in much of the capital.

Mayoral Election Focus

Despite challenges in London, Wilson expressed confidence in achieving greater success in the 2028 Mayoral Election. Reform UK announced Laila Cunningham, a former criminal prosecutor, as its candidate for City Hall earlier this year. Cunningham remains the only confirmed candidate from a major political party so far.

"Having already selected our candidate longer [ago], we’ve had a head start, with a high profile candidate, Laila, with a background as a criminal prosecutor," Wilson stated. "Policing, crime and safety is such a big issue, across all voting groups. I think it’s a really powerful message."

Senior Reform figure Richard Tice, the party's deputy leader, echoed Wilson's sentiments, saying they are making "great progress" in London but admitting it is "not one of our strongest areas." Tice attributed this to London's "significant, what I would call, Islington-style middle-class socialism," which he stated is not aligned with Reform UK's politics. He noted better performance in outer London areas like Havering and South East London.

Next Steps

Reform UK plans to continue contesting by-elections in London, including an upcoming poll in Holborn and St Pancras, to provide Reform voters with an option and to demonstrate the party's seriousness. While not expecting to win in Holborn and St Pancras, Wilson indicated he would actively support the candidate.