There's a new blue party in town

Reform UK has hammered the Labour and Conservative parties in Northants in an election result that no-one, not even the party, was expecting. What will happen next?

Reform UK had surprise wins in Northants to take controls of both unitary councils.

By Sarah Ward

There would have been many bleary eyes and headaches this morning after yesterday’s seismic political event. Many established councillors who have been on Northants’ political scene for decades, no longer have a place in the council chamber, while a whole new group of political rookies wearing turquoise rosettes are in control.

Just what the future looks like is uncertain. Who will be the leaders and make up the executive of the two unitary councils? What will be on the agenda? Will council officer jobs be at risk due to a Elon Musk inspired DOGE clear out?

After a historic night, we analysis the results and ponder on what could happen next.

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The majority vote

Reform UK won 39 of the 68 available seats in North Northamptonshire Council NNC (although due to a candidate death in Higham Ferrers, two seats will be decided later) equalling 35 per cent of the total votes cast in the North election. On West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) 42 of the 78 elected councillors are now Reform UK.