Reform UK pulled off a huge election surge — rocketing from just 2 councillors to 16 in a dramatic local election breakthrough.
While Labour retained overall control of the council, the scale of Reform’s gains has completely reshaped the political picture across the city and marks one of the biggest political shifts seen in Plymouth for years.
Among the biggest moments of the night, Conservative leader Andy Lugger lost his seat, whilst his Tory colleague Dr John Mahony won to replace former Conservative councillor Rebecca Smith MP in a closely watched result.
Steve Ricketts, leader of Reform Plymouth, told The Post: “It’s been an absolute landslide. We mean to go forward and do more.”
Despite the difficult night for Labour, council leader Tudor Evans remained composed throughout proceedings and continued to show the fighting spirit that has defined much of his time in Plymouth politics.
With only one third of seats up for election, the result is already being described as a political earthquake locally.
What do you think is behind Reform’s rise in Plymouth?
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post