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, with the south Wales town of Caerphilly being a notable example.
The town, known for its 13th-century castle, has seen a century of Labour Party rule come to an end in a by-election for the Senedd, the Welsh parliament.
- Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru on the left received 47.4 percent of the vote.
- Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK on the right received 36 percent of the vote.
- Labour's vote was reduced to a mere 11 percent, alarming strategists ahead of future elections.
While by-elections should be viewed with skepticism, this result is still concerning for the Labour Party, especially with full elections to the Senedd in 2026 and a Westminster general election by 2029 on the horizon.
By-elections give voters a "free hit" on the ruling party.
Author's summary: Labour's poor by-election result sparks concern for Europe's centrists.