IT WAS difficult to avoid the story of Reform UK nationally, even though they just edged out the Green Party and Plaid Cymru in terms of parliamentary seats.
And Robert Barrowcliffe, who came second to now Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in Ashton-under-Lyne, has signalled their future intent.
They will be going for seats on Tameside Council.
Barrowcliffe, who also wrestles professionally under the stage name Rob Valentine, received 8,784 votes on what he called a ‘crazy night.’
And after earning a 25 per cent share of the vote – some 10 per cent more than his group did across the country – the 25-year-old said eyes are already looking ahead.
He said in a statement: “I think we can be so proud of what we’ve done in Ashton – and we carry on.
“There were some wards in Ashton where we were neck and neck with Labour, there were some where we were slightly ahead at times.
“So, we’re going to start contesting council sets. We are going to do this over the long term and come back even stronger after this Labour government.”
It was a similar picture in Stalybridge and Hyde, where Barbara Kaya came second with 7,751 votes and in Gorton and Denton, where Lee Moffitt earned 5,142.
Leader Nigel Farage was elected in Clacton, Essex, while chairman Richard Tice triumphed in Boston and Skegness, Lee Anderson won Ashfield and Rupert Lowe won Great Yarmouth.
Following a recount, Stephen Conlay was elected in South Basildon and East Thurrock.
And Barrowclffe believes that result – and the percentage of the vote they received – signalled why the system should change.
He added: “We have five Reform UK MPs elected. What a cause for celebration.
“We have a mandate to be the next opposition party and push for voting reform. The whole system needs reform.”
These idiots couldn’t reform a blancmange. They’re the party people voted for who are stupid, racist and oh yeah… proud to support Putin.