UK Political Landscape in 2025: Reform UK's Rise, Labour's Challenges, and Trump's Impact
In 2025, Reform UK gained local-government funding and pushed immigration policy to the forefront, prompting Labour to treat the party as its main opposition amid concerns over racism allegations. Meanwhile, Labour's leader Keir Starmer saw his authority weakened after a plan to reform welfare was dropped, combined with rising backbench anger and credibility challenges following a budgeting controversy involving an Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) error.
The year was also marked by the return of 'Trump 2.0' to the White House, which influenced UK and EU politics by pressuring Europe on defence spending and shaping diplomacy in Gaza, while raising risks of a global trade conflict. Domestically, a Corbynista-left faction within the Labour party emerged but fractured due to internal disagreements.
These three defining dynamics—the rise of Reform UK, difficulties within Labour, and Trump's presence—have reshaped the UK's political environment and are expected to influence developments in 2026. The anticipated 'Mega-May 2026' elections could redraw the political map, with the Liberal Democrats hopeful of gains, Greens expanding under leaders Zack Polanski, Mothin Ali, and Rachel Millward, and Reform UK's performance uncertain. Notably, Plaid Cymru interrupted Reform UK's progress in the Caerphilly constituency in 2025.
Leadership uncertainty surrounds Keir Starmer, with many anticipating a leadership challenge after the May elections, though no clear successor has emerged. Downing Street is reportedly seeking ways to bolster his appeal.
On the international front, the future of Ukraine and European security is closely tied to terms set by the United States. While a peace settlement remains possible, ongoing strategic challenges for Europe and the UK are expected to persist.
