England Splits as Reform Surges in Local Elections, Labour Collapses Outside London

England's local election results reveal a dramatic political realignment, with Reform making major gains in poorer regions and coastal areas while struggling in London and larger cities. Labour is losing more seats than it wins, particularly outside London, with severe losses in Manchester, a power base for Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner. The Conservatives are also collapsing, though less dramatically, with notable wins in Harlow, Essex, and Westminster Council. The Liberal Democrats are resilient, winning all seats in Richmond-upon-Thames and 51 of 55 in Sutton. The Greens have had a disappointing night, failing to translate a recent parliamentary by-election win into local gains. Newcastle-under-Lyme became the first Reform-controlled council. The results suggest a country splitting politically, geographically, and economically, with poverty driving the Reform vote. Richard Murphy argues that unless inequality is addressed, Reform's growth will continue.