The Reform UK party has secured another council seat ahead of the local elections this week. It gives leader Nigel Farage a fresh boost before people vote on leaders across 24 local authorities on Thursday, May 1.
Reform candidate Annie-May O’Neill has been elected unopposed to Ongar Town Concil, located in the Epping Forest District of Essex. She said it will “be an honour to help the people in my local community”. A by-election will also be held for a vacant Shelley Ward seat on the council this week.
Zia Yusuf, the Chairman of Reform UK, said in a post on X: “Another Reform GAIN. Congratulations to Annie-May O’Neill, elected to the Town Council of Chipping Ongar. Reform has all the momentum in British politics.”
As reported by Everything Epping Forest, Annie-May O’Neill said: “I am absolutely delighted and very much looking forward to representing Chipping Ongar as the town councillor. It will be an honour to help the people in my local community and offer a warm smile to each and every one. I hold this role very close to my heart and excited for a prosperous future under Reform UK.”
She added: “I am determined to be a strong voice for the wonderful people of Chipping Ongar. Being elected to Ongar Town Council without an election is a true honour.
“I had hoped we would have had a contested election as I believe in democracy but not only do the local Conservatives like to cancel elections for the people in Ongar, they now don’t even want to take part. I don’t blame Labour for not fielding a candidate as they are ruining our country every day.
“I promise to be a breath of fresh air to the town council and it will be a privilege to serve the people of Ongar. I will be a pro-active councillor working alongside (district and county) councillor Jaymey McIvor to offer the local community hope with a warm smile to everyone. This as we prepare for a prosperous future with a Reform UK Government.”
Nigel Farage recently claimed that Reform has gained more council seats in by-elections since Kemi Badenoch became the Conservative leader than any other party. However, fact-checkers at Full Fact said more individual seats have actually moved to the Conservatives despite Reform seeing the largest net gain of seats.
Full Fact said: “Reform UK saw the largest net gain in seats, but overall, more seats changed hands to the Conservatives than to Reform UK. Meanwhile, Labour won the most seats overall.”
