Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf says his party can deliver as rivals scramble to explain historic local losses

The political map of England has been jolted by a dramatic shift in voter sentiment, with Reform UK emerging as a serious threat to the two-party dominance of Westminster. Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Reform chairman Zia Yusuf insisted his insurgent party could deliver on its bold promises, particularly on migration, as Labour and the Conservatives struggled to explain their bruising losses in last week’s local elections.

Facing growing scrutiny over how Reform would implement its controversial pledges, Yusuf told Kuenssberg the party would use “any democratic tool available” to limit migration in areas where it holds influence. He defended Reform’s ability to govern, pushing back against criticism from other parties who question its policy depth and readiness.

“This week shows that millions of people no longer buy the establishment narrative,” Yusuf said. “We are not here to play opposition — we’re here to replace them.”

Reform’s surge has left both Labour and the Conservatives reeling. The local election results saw the two traditional powerhouses lose swathes of support across key councils, while Reform gained unprecedented ground, capitalising on deep frustration over immigration, housing, and public services.

Kemi Badenoch, leading the Conservatives after Rishi Sunak’s resignation, told Kuenssberg that “protest is in the air” and admitted the party had not done enough to address voters’ anger. “People are fed up — and they want to be heard,” she said, hinting at future policy shifts to recapture the party’s lost base.

On Labour’s side, Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged the public to “stick with us” as he acknowledged a disappointing performance. “Change takes time,” he said, trying to deflect growing concern inside the party about the slow progress under Keir Starmer. Streeting admitted Reform had capitalised on genuine grievances, but insisted Labour would offer a more credible long-term solution.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tried to position his party as the voice of “Middle England,” but Kuenssberg challenged whether the Lib Dems risked alienating voters beyond their comfort zones. The Greens’ Adrian Ramsay acknowledged Reform’s success but criticised its foundations as “built on sand,” warning voters not to be swayed by rhetoric without substance.

Still, the day belonged to Reform. With Nigel Farage still hovering in the background and Yusuf stepping confidently into the spotlight, the party has transitioned from fringe outfit to major political disruptor. Kuenssberg noted that the idea of Farage in Downing Street may have once seemed far-fetched — but after this week’s results, that possibility no longer seems outlandish.

The broadcast wrapped up with a lighter moment as Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum joined the show to discuss his role in Wicked and his love of jazz, offering a surreal contrast to the weighty political exchanges.

Yet, beneath the studio lights, the message from the electorate was clear: Britain’s political centre is shifting, and Reform UK is capitalising on a moment of disillusionment that the main parties appear ill-equipped to handle.

Yusuf’s assured performance only reinforced Reform’s newfound credibility, while the reactions from Labour and the Tories suggested a scramble for answers rather than a plan for recovery.

With a general election on the horizon and voters restless, one thing is clear — the old rules of British politics no longer apply.