Reform UK stormed to victory in three council by-elections last night, overturning large majorities with huge swings. Nigel Farage’s party secured new seats across the country, in Cannock Chase, Durham and Llanelli.

The party will also be celebrating as it achieves a new major milestone. Reform held the Easington & Shotton ward in Durham last night, dipping just 3.5 points but retaining a huge 26.5 point lead over the second-place Labour Party. It is the first time that Reform UK has successfully defended a seat it already holds.

In recent by-elections in Durham, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire, Reform appeared to be struggling to retain council seats it already possessed.

In Hednesford Green Heath ward on Cannock Chase council, Mr Farage stormed another victory, winning the seat from Labour with a huge 25.2% swing.

Reform gained a whopping 31.8 points in its previous vote share, securing 51.5% of the vote. Meanwhile Labour plunged by 18.6 points to just 22.6% support.

The party also won its second councillor in Carmarthenshire from Labour.

Candidate Carmelo Colasanto took 43% of the vote, beating Plaid Cymru into second place on 30% and Labour on 23.6%.

Reform UK’s Cllr David Thomas said the win in Carmarthenshire was “proof that people are ready for real change, and that Labour’s grip is slipping.”.

He added: “Well done Carmelo, the team, and every single volunteer who made this possible. The tide is turning — and this is just the beginning.

“Reform is rising across Wales.”

Reform is targeting Wales heavily ahead of next year’s Senedd elections, which the party hopes they could win.