Reform aims to 'wipe floor' with Labour in Midlands

Warwickshire County Council Leader George Finch says he is confident Reform can take control of the region's two biggest cities next year.

Reform UK aims to "wipe the floor" with the opposition ahead of all-out council elections in Coventry and Birmingham next year.

That was the message delivered by Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch as thousands travelled from across the country to the party's annual conference at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Friday.

Here in the West Midlands, the party's momentum appears to be building – having taken control of Staffordshire County Council and leading Warwickshire County Council.

But can Reform use its conference here as a launchpad to take its success in the shires to the region's biggest cities?

Reform UK chose to hold its annual conference at the NEC with Nigel Farage taking to the stage on both days.

Asked if, as a leader, Finch was confident of being able to demonstrate the party was capable of governing, he said: "We're doing it already in Warwickshire; I cannot wait to see next year when the Coventry elections happen.

He added: "I think we can win the whole thing. We've got Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council elections next year; we're going to wipe the floor with the lot."

A decent electoral showing in the region's two biggest cities would send a strong statement – especially to Labour, which currently controls the two local authorities.

But success could also be sentimental for the party whose life began when it was launched in Coventry back in 2019 - originally as the Brexit Party.

Councillor Jackie Gardiner believes Reform can remove Labour from power at Coventry City Council.

Councillor Jackie Gardiner is the leader of the Reform Group on Coventry City Council.

Asked if she was confident the party could actually take control of a council where 39 of the 54 seats were currently held by Labour, she said: "Absolutely. Without a shadow of a doubt, it's possible for us to win."

She added: "We take nothing for granted; we have to work hard, and if the people of Coventry want the change, it is possible."

The party conference demonstrated the pulling power of the party, with thousands of people queuing hundreds of metres for over an hour to get into the NEC.

But whether that momentum can be maintained will be key to the party's success. Next year's local elections will offer the best insight yet into whether the party has the staying power to govern at the highest level.