7 h. ago FTSE 100 smashing through 10,000 mark hailed by Rachel Reeves as vote of confidence in UK economy

The optimistic news came as Labour is hoping for economic growth ahead of crunch local elections in May

Politics

10 h. ago ‘We were missing in the conversation’: how Zack Polanski hit on plan to beat Reform at their own game

This time last year Polanski was barely known outside the party. Now he’s hoping for success at May’s local elections - by taking a page from Nigel Farage’s playbookZack Polanski finally decided to stand as the Greens’ leader, he says, after witnessing the party being eclipsed by Reform in last May’s local elections across England, and realising that British politics had changed for good.While the Greens made yet more steady gains, Reform won nearly 700 councillors from a standing start. As deputy leader, it was Polanski’s job to speak to losing candidates to both offer consolation and ask what lessons could be learned. Continue reading...

Events

28 h. ago Nigel Farage pledges Reform will go 'double or quits' on local elections with £5million spending blitz

Nigel Farage has vowed Reform will go 'double or quits' with a £5million spending blitz ahead of May's local elections.

Economics

32 h. ago Nigel Farage promises Reform UK spending blitz on May’s local elections

Reform UK’s election war chest was bolstered by a £9 million donation in August from businessman Christopher Harborne.

Politics

5 d. ago Nigel Farage targets Reform's first council victories in London as springboard for ousting Sadiq Khan over his 'terrible' record on crime

The Reform leader has made London a key target in his plans to trigger another political ' earthquake' at the local elections in May.

Events

5 d. ago Labour ‘optimistic’ about 2026 as other parties prepare for local elections

Opposition parties at Westminster all said their main priority for the coming year were the local and devolved elections in May.

Politics

8 d. ago The Guardian view on May 2026 elections: a new political geography is coming into view across Britain | Editorial

Over the holiday period, the Guardian leader column is looking ahead at the themes of 2026. Today we look at the impact of devolution on growing volatility of party political allegianceNext year will be pivotal in British politics, and 7 May will be the point around which things pivot. Elections to local councils, the Scottish parliament and the Welsh Senedd will give millions of voters across the UK a chance to express party preferences. Their verdicts could imperil Labour and Conservative leaders. In Wales, Labour might be sent into opposition for the first time since devolution. Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are set to make substantial gains. At Holyrood, the Scottish National party (SNP) is on course for a majority. That would be an extraordinary defiance of political gravity for a party weighed down by nearly two decades of incumbency.In England, both Labour and the Tories risk losing scores of councillors as their vote shares are gobbled up by the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and ...

Politics

1 week ago Starmer faces leadership challenge if Labour hammered in May local elections, warns his own veteran MP

The PM would have failed to ‘put the show on the road’ if Labour gets a drubbing in the town hall polls, Graham Stringer MP is warning

Events

1 week ago 'Nigel Farage's 'freak' reaction and failed Tory promises prove one thing about Labour'

'Labour led the way on animal welfare with its 2004 fox hunting ban. Since the party left office, there has been a years-long gap that has allowed cruel practices to develop'

Events

1 week ago The Guardian view on Labour’s difficult year: denial of hard choices is no longer an option | Editorial

All the incentives in Westminster politics militate against confronting difficult issues, but a failing government may as well try honestyThe formula for stable government, according to Britain’s constitution, is a big parliamentary majority and divided opposition. Sir Keir Starmer’s predicament proves that those conditions are not sufficient.The prime minister’s inability to convince voters that he has an agenda for national renewal, and the demoralising effect that has had on the Labour party, make a leadership challenge look plausible after local elections next May. Maybe sooner. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Plans show £60m ‘gap’ in Reform council’s budget even with council tax increase

Kent County Council was won by Reform at local elections in May, when their candidates promised to cut council spending and keep taxes low.

Economics

2 w. ago Starmer orders King’s Speech for week after May local elections

Many Labour MPs are reportedly bracing for the worst at the upcoming elections

Politics

2 w. ago Labour set to be DESTROYED by Plaid and Reform in Wales elections, poll shows

Keir Starmer is set to be humiliated at local elections in May with his party evicted from the First Minister post in Wales for the first time since devolution.

Politics

2 w. ago Andy Burnham hits back at claims he is plotting to replace Starmer as PM

The Greater Manchester mayor was responding to reports that he plans to run for a parliamentary seat before next May’s local elections to allow him to take over from Keir Starmer

Events