Reform's Rise: England Shifts

The article discusses the rise of the right-wing Reform UK party in the United Kingdom, attributing its growing popularity to widespread disillusionment with the established political parties, particularly the Labour Party. It argues that Reform UK is exploiting the pervasive sense of economic insecurity, anger over declining living standards, and distrust in the political establishment. The article highlights Reform UK's appeal to sections of the working class who feel ignored and betrayed by Labour, which it accuses of abandoning its traditional base and adopting pro-business policies. It emphasizes that Reform UK's anti-immigrant rhetoric and attacks on "woke" culture resonate with some voters who are frustrated with the current political climate. Furthermore, the article asserts that the Conservative Party's ongoing internal conflicts and failures in government have created an opening for Reform UK to attract disillusioned Tory voters. The author points to Reform UK's exploitation of anxieties surrounding immigration and national identity, capitalizing on feelings of cultural displacement and economic hardship. Ultimately, the article suggests that Reform UK's surge in support is a symptom of a broader crisis of political legitimacy and a reflection of the failure of mainstream parties to address the concerns of ordinary people. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/02/redf-m02.html