Oldham’s Reform party has avoided another headache after a turbulent few weeks by seeing off the ‘Burnham bounce’ in a battle with Labour.
Hundreds of voters across the Oldham council ward of Failsworth West went to the polls on Thursday. The by-election was called after the former leader of Oldham Reform Mark Wilkinson stood down as councillor citing health issues.
Reform and Labour have been campaigning hard in recent weeks, with some speculation the presence of Restore Britain in the race could hurt Reform’s chances. Failsworth West was won by Reform easily in May 2026 where they took 56 percent of the vote share compared to Labour’s 17pc.
As the results came in November 12, the by-election was much closer with Reform on 41.5pc compared to Labour’s 38.8pc, and Restore’s 11pc. However, Labour’s 21pc surge was not enough to regain the seat.
The race was also a key test for Reform after two changes in leadership in recent months, resignations and suspensions, and criticism on social media from some supporters of the party. The party also hit out at ‘outright false and libellous allegations’ about its candidate in recent days and that it was seeking legal advice on the matter.
Speaking after the result was announced, Reform’s newly-elected Councillor Chris Baddeley said: “I’m feeling very happy but I wouldn’t have got here without the councillors that have been helping me and the other helpers that have been helping doing the canvassing and the leafleting. This is where the hard work starts.”
According to Reform, Coun Baddeley has lived in Failsworth almost all of his life and was previously involved with the Failsworth Street Patrol and served as a Royal British Legion standard bearer. He campaigned on tackling anti-social behaviour, fixing potholes, improving neighbourhood safety, and giving people a stronger voice in the council chamber.
He said he was ‘very grateful’ to those that voted for him and ‘now it’s down to me to do my best and see how we go’, telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We are here to solve the problems or try and find solutions for problems the residents have.”
Despite the closer result with Labour, he pointed out by-elections typically see lower turnout and the vote was not a reflection on his party’s performance.
For Labour, the party was hoping more public support and Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister might offer a boost locally. According to Politico’s Poll of Polls, Labour’s support has surged 12pc since May and taken the lead nationally while Reform’s share has dipped around 4pc.
Labour also won the ward in the by-election to replace Mr Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor in July. Despite losing the council by-election, Oldham Labour’s leader Arooj Shah said the result was still a success for her party and there was ‘a complete change of atmosphere’ on the doorstep.
She said: “There was so much enthusiasm for the Labour group when we came out door knocking. We did three to four sessions a day.
“We leafletted and people really spoke and it’s obvious they’ve got their hope and faith back in Labour. I think that has got a lot to do with Andy Burnham but also [candidate] Pete [Davis] and his record in the area has really paid off.
“This used to be a comfortable seat for Labour and we lost profoundly in May so for us it is a success. Those conversations on the doorstep, I can only go off them and they tell us people have got hope and faith back.”
