Reform UK’s By-Election Win Is a Wake-Up Call for Our Democracy

It’s not the news we wanted to wake up to on this Friday morning, especially as early signs suggest Reform is poised for even more success in the local elections. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice may not be the most trustworthy voices in British politics, but they have undeniably delivered a political earthquake.

The results from Runcorn—and beyond—should serve as a massive wake-up call to both Labour and the Conservatives: politics as usual just isn’t working anymore. But beyond party politics, this is a deeper warning about the state of our democracy itself.

Populism Over Substance

When we visited Runcorn in April, it was striking: few of the Reform voters we spoke to could name their candidate—now their MP—or explain what she would do to improve their lives. Their support was driven almost entirely by media soundbites from Nigel Farage, with immigration topping their list of concerns.

Ironically, immigration has little direct impact on Runcorn compared to other parts of the country. This wasn’t a victory for local needs or local voices—it was a triumph for populist messaging and manufactured fear.

A Surge of Anti-Establishment Anger

Voter anger toward Labour was palpable on the ground. Many in Runcorn weren’t just disillusioned—they were furious with Keir Starmer and his government. For many, voting Reform was less about endorsing Farage and more about rejecting Labour.

But this is a dangerous path. Elections shouldn’t be about picking the least objectionable option or lashing out at the incumbent. A system that channels voter frustration into anti-establishment rebellion only opens the door to bad actors and accelerates the rise of the far-right.

The Crisis of Low Turnout

As troubling as Reform’s win may be, the turnout numbers are just as alarming. Only 46% of eligible voters cast a ballot in Runcorn and Helsby. Reform secured their victory with the support of just 17% of eligible voters—hardly a ringing mandate, but they will undoubtedly claim it as one.

Strong voter turnout is the bedrock of a healthy democracy. Yet in Britain, we’re watching participation erode before our eyes. Reversing this trend is critical. People need a reason to believe in—and engage with—the democratic system.

What Open Britain Is Doing

At Open Britain, we’re working tirelessly to repair the cracks in our democracy:

✅ Countering far-right populism by exposing the lies of Reform UK and Nigel Farage, and making clear they are not the solution to Britain’s challenges.

✅ Empowering voters to understand and exercise their democratic rights effectively in every election.

✅ Pushing for electoral reform that makes our system more representative and ensures every vote counts equally.

Our commitment to fighting against authoritarian populists and fighting for the democratic rights of all Britons has never been stronger.

The alarm bells are ringing across Britain after Runcorn—and more people are waking up to the need for action. We will keep working to amplify our message, grow our movement, and we are deeply grateful for your support as we do.

Thank you for standing up to Reform!