Reform UK Southampton has issued a pointed critique of what it labels as reckless financial management, challenging claims made by the Southampton Labour Party regarding recent funding announcements. Labour has celebrated a new initiative aimed at supporting Southampton’s most deprived areas, but swiftly accused Reform UK of threatening to end this vital funding—an allegation the party dismisses as unsubstantiated.
While Labour’s accusations grab headlines, Reform UK’s Southampton Chairman, Sam Wright, suggests this may hint at a future political shift. “The fact that they’re so quick to accuse shows they see Reform UK as a growing threat, and perhaps they’re already preparing for changes in power,” he remarked.
Wright also took aim at Labour’s financial approach, warning that the notion of “free” spending is misguided. “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” he stated. “Rachel Reeves and the current government seem to forget that every pound spent has to come from somewhere.”
With borrowing reaching a staggering £99.8 billion for the financial year up to September 2025, the UK’s national debt has soared to nearly £2.9 trillion—close to 100% of GDP. Wright pointed out Sir Keir Starmer’s evasiveness during a recent Prime Minister’s Questions session when questioned about his pledge not to increase National Insurance or Income Tax. “It’s almost certain taxes will rise in the upcoming budget, adding further strain on households and small businesses already struggling,” he said.
Reform UK has highlighted its track record of responsible financial management, claiming to have already saved over £100 million in local council budgets. The party advocates for greater efficiency in the public sector and intends to cut costs by scrapping costly initiatives like Net Zero policies and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
“It’s time for real change,” Wright concluded. “Reform UK is ready to put taxpayers first and deliver the responsible governance our community needs.”
The Southampton City Council elections are scheduled to take place on Thursday, 7 May 2026, as part of the local elections held nationwide on that date. Last year’s elections were cancelled.
Recent polls by Find Out Now have shown huge surges in popularity for Reform UK and the Green Party, with isolated surveys even placing the Greens ahead of the Conservatives in popularity, for the first time in modern polling that has happened. Labour and Conservatives look set to be decimated at the next Council Elections and the next General Election unless something substantial happens.
According to the Find Out Now Poll Reform UK is a long way ahead in terms of popularity with the general public polling on 32%.
