The Milton Keynes branch of Reform UK says this is ‘only the beginning’ after the political party won its first seats at last week’s Milton Keynes City Council elections.

Nine Reform UK councillors were elected while the party achieved the highest vote share across the city with 24 per cent.

In the Bletchley Park & Fenny Stratford ward Brad Connors (1388 votes), Sarah Jane Tomlin (1364) and Ray Stagg Blackman (1358) were elected.

Reform UK also claimed all three seats in the Bletchley West ward, where Finlay Clifford Hughes (1435 votes), Melvyn Rook (1385) and Millie Rook (1357) were voted in.

Reform UK says 'this is only the beginning' after the political party achieved its first ever councillors in Milton Keynes at last week's elections

placeholder image — Reform UK says 'this is only the beginning' after the political party achieved its first ever councillors in Milton Keynes at last week's elections

In the Bletchley South ward Reform UK claimed two seats with Jordan Lee Cattell (1132 votes) and Steve Swain (1108) elected.

Labour Party candidate Ed Hume claimed the other seat in Bletchley South with 1155 votes.

Adrian David Burton claimed a seat in the Walton ward for Reform UK with 1270 votes, with the other two seats in Walton won by Liberal Democrat councillors Duncan Banks (1357) and Ben Adewale (1241).

Reacting to the results Reform UK’s Milton Keynes branch said in a statement: “We did not win control of the council, but residents sent a clear message that the old parties can no longer ignore.

“Had Reform taken control, we would have pushed for the alternative route of working with Reform led Northamptonshire councils, which would have brought more investment to Milton Keynes.

“We are not going away and will fight this every way we can. In the chamber, through scrutiny, through public pressure and by exposing waste, bad decisions and the cost being pushed onto residents.

“To every person who voted Reform, campaigned, shared posts, delivered leaflets, spoke to us or backed us quietly at the ballot box: thank you.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the city in the run-up to the elections, holding a rally in Milton Keynes in March, while the party’s deputy leader Richard Tice was pictured visiting Newport Pagnell residents on polling day (May 7).