Reform UK Local Election Success and Climate Policy Impact
Good morning. Seven weeks from today, the counting for the English local elections will take place, and unless the polls are significantly inaccurate, Reform UK is expected to celebrate record wins. While much commentary will focus on the implications for national politics, local councils hold substantial powers. A report released today highlights that Reform UK victories in local government could notably affect climate policy.
It is established that Reform UK opposes net zero targets and has pledged to reduce green subsidies, though there remains some ambiguity regarding their precise climate policy actions. Some Reform UK representatives outright deny the reality of human-induced global warming, while others assert their opposition is limited to the speed of the transition to renewable energy. Nigel Farage, the party leader, has expressed views aligning with these positions.
Grantham Research Institute Investigation
To examine these issues in greater detail, the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics (LSE) has conducted an investigation into Reform UK's activities in the councils they have governed since last May. The report presents the following key findings:
- Seven councils led by Reform UK have "scrapped" their climate targets, and climate change denial has been voiced by Reform UK councillors in five of these councils. Some councils have even removed references to climate change from their strategy documents.
- Although efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions continue in these councils, mitigating climate change is no longer explicitly cited as the motivation behind these actions.
- There is variation in how the policy of "scrapping net zero" is implemented, reflecting apparent internal differences of opinion within the party.
- The party's claims regarding financial savings from "scrapping net zero" lack clarity, as does their definition of net zero-related expenditures.
- Reform UK is likely to gain control of additional local authorities in the May 2026 elections, including more unitary authorities responsible for planning applications and housing—policy areas critical to national climate targets.
- If Reform UK secures more seats, the national government will face increased challenges in ensuring local authorities contribute to legislative and policy climate objectives.
This chart illustrates developments in the 10 councils where Reform UK holds full control.
Expert Commentary
"In our study we found that ‘scrapping net zero’ is not only a policy position but a signal of a broader retreat from treating climate change as urgent. This takes the form of both delaying action and outright climate change denial. Voters should be aware that this is the case."
Edward de Quay, one of the analysts who authored the report, further stated:
"In the upcoming local elections in May, should Reform UK expand its council base, we can expect further retreat from climate action. The government must be alert to this challenge, given the importance of local authorities to the delivery of national climate goals."
Today's Agenda
Morning: The housing secretary is on a visit.
10am: Peers resume their debate on the assisted dying bill.
11.30am: Downing Street holds a lobby briefing.
Afternoon: A visit is scheduled in the south of England.
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