5 Reasons Starmer's New Election Disaster Should Spook Europe's Centrists
Britain's ruling Labour Party has suffered a dismal by-election in its Welsh heartland, sparking concerns about the future of centrist politics.
The south Wales town of Caerphilly, known for its 13th-century castle, has become a symbol of the challenges faced by establishment parties. A century of Labour Party rule was recently broken in a by-election for the Senedd, the Welsh parliament.
- Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru won 47.4% of the vote,
- Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK secured 36%,
- Labour Party received a mere 11% of the vote.
This outcome is alarming strategists ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections and the 2029 Westminster general election. Although by-elections should be viewed with skepticism, as they allow voters to express dissatisfaction with the ruling party without consequences, the results still pose a significant threat to centrist politics.
By-elections give voters a "free hit" on the ruling party.
Author's summary: Labour's defeat in Wales sparks concerns for Europe's centrists.