Political fragmentation and what it means for financial planning

Reform's tally of 677 council seats represented 41% of all those being contested

clock • 5 min read

Phillip Wickenden assesses last week's local election results and spells out what it could mean for financial advisers, with a bit of input from his dear dad...

At the 2024 general election Reform secured 14% of the vote but just 5 out of 650 seats at Westminster. The First Past the Post (FPTP) system is designed to work for a two-horse race, but the UK is now a country with more runners and riders. The fragmentation caused by populism, political polarisation and a (not so healthy) dose of disappointment, blows the race wide open. And crucially, as last week's local elections made abundantly clear, Nige is no nag. In fact, the going is good for a Reform UK that, having undergone significant professionalisation, has the measure of the racecourse ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

My Care Hub expands to public following strong adviser support

My Care Hub expands to public following strong adviser support

Advice sector has played ‘pivotal role’ in successful rollout of care guidance platform

Jenna Brown
clock 10 September 2025 • 4 min read
CBI CEO urges Rachel Reeves to take back manifesto promise not to raise tax – report

CBI CEO urges Rachel Reeves to take back manifesto promise not to raise tax – report

Rain Newton-Smith claims ‘the time for tinkering is over’

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 September 2025 • 2 min read
'Fundamentally' different advice profession risks reputational damage from football scandal

'Fundamentally' different advice profession risks reputational damage from football scandal

High profile advice incidents like V11 ‘damaging’

Isabel Baxter
clock 09 September 2025 • 3 min read