Politics Weekly UK On the road in south Wales: why is Reform UK on the rise?
Feb 27, 2025
Will Hayward, a freelance journalist specializing in Welsh politics, sheds light on the surprising rise of Reform UK in traditional Labour strongholds of South Wales. The discussion dives into voter disillusionment with public services and how the pandemic reshaped political priorities. Hayward highlights the strategic appeal of Reform UK by connecting with local identities while avoiding anti-devolution rhetoric. He also explores the influence of youth engagement through platforms like TikTok and local economic struggles shaping sentiments for change.
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Local Grievance Meets Global Populism
- South Wales' post-industrial deprivation and local grievances create fertile ground for right-wing populism.
- Reform UK exploits those grievances by offering identity and anger rather than concrete local policy fixes.
Blame Shift No Longer Works
- Welsh Labour can no longer shift blame to Westminster because they now occupy power there.
- Voters increasingly hold Welsh Labour accountable for local service failures like long NHS waits.
Warm Banks And Childcare Strain
- At the Loading Bay community cafe, parents described rising childcare costs and warm banks as daily realities.
- Several attendees said they felt left behind and some admitted they might vote Reform UK for change.