Reform UK has seized a previously safe Conservative council seat following a huge 44-point swing in Robert Jenrick’s Newark constituency.
Cllr Matthew Evans was elected to represent East Markham on Bassetlaw District Council after securing 436 votes - almost 50% of all ballots cast.
The Conservatives finished a distant second with 250 votes, followed by Labour on 151 and the Greens on just 42.
The result marks a dramatic reversal for the Tories in a ward they had held for more than two decades. At the last election in 2023, the Conservatives won 66% of the vote and enjoyed a commanding 45-point lead over Labour.
This time, their vote share more than halved to just 28% as residents rallied behind Reform.
Celebrating the result, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “Excellent win in Robert Jenrick’s seat last night. While the Tories plummeted to 28.4%, Reform gained almost 50% on our first time standing there. The Conservative Party is dead.”
Reform UK Shadow Chancellor and Newark MP Robert Jenrick said: “An incredible 44% swing from Tory to Reform in Newark!
“So proud of our candidate, Matthew Evans, and my hardworking team.”
He added: “Matthew Evans worked incredibly hard and will be a very effective councillor. I’m humbled by the degree of support Reform is receiving locally.”
The victory provides yet more evidence that former Conservative voters are abandoning that failed old party and putting their trust in Reform UK.
Cllr Matthew Evans was elected to represent East Markham on Bassetlaw District Council after securing 436 votes - almost 50% of all ballots cast.
The Conservatives finished a distant second with 250 votes, followed by Labour on 151 and the Greens on just 42.
The result marks a dramatic reversal for the Tories in a ward they had held for more than two decades. At the last election in 2023, the Conservatives won 66% of the vote and enjoyed a commanding 45-point lead over Labour.
This time, their vote share more than halved to just 28% as residents rallied behind Reform.
Celebrating the result, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “Excellent win in Robert Jenrick’s seat last night. While the Tories plummeted to 28.4%, Reform gained almost 50% on our first time standing there. The Conservative Party is dead.”
Reform UK Shadow Chancellor and Newark MP Robert Jenrick said: “An incredible 44% swing from Tory to Reform in Newark!
“So proud of our candidate, Matthew Evans, and my hardworking team.”
He added: “Matthew Evans worked incredibly hard and will be a very effective councillor. I’m humbled by the degree of support Reform is receiving locally.”
The victory provides yet more evidence that former Conservative voters are abandoning that failed old party and putting their trust in Reform UK.
