Politics Weekly UK The Greens, Reform and the end of two-party politics?
Apr 6, 2026
Rob Ford, political scientist and author on elections, discusses shifting UK party support. He explains how the Greens inherit Corbyn-era voters and where Reform could disrupt Conservatives. Short scenes explore local election tests, Labour’s vulnerable battlegrounds, and whether fragmentation makes electoral reform more likely.
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Greens Are The Corbyn Coalition Reassembled
- The Greens are largely the Corbyn coalition rebadged, drawing 'double left' voters who are left on economics and social issues.
- Those voters cluster in cities, making Labour inefficient electorally while the Greens can target a handful of seats and win big swings quickly.
Reform Gains Aren't Necessarily Permanent
- Reform voters who defected from the Conservatives remain open to returning, so Conservative recovery is possible if Reform's sheen fades.
- Leader changes matter less in opposition because public perceptions of opposition leaders are more fluid than prime ministers.
Local Elections Will Test Reform's Credibility
- The upcoming local and devolved elections will test whether Reform can convert polling leads into governing credibility across England, Wales and Scotland.
- Key signals include sweeping county councils, footholds in London, and topping polls in Wales or Scotland.