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

SFO secures six-figure confiscation order against Axiom Legal Financing fraudster

SFO secures six-figure confiscation order against Axiom Legal Financing fraudster

David Kennedy is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence

Sahar Nazir
clock 22 December 2025 • 1 min read
Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Higher proof-of-value demands and operational challenges keep private markets on margins of UK advice portfolios

Sahar Nazir
clock 19 December 2025 • 9 min read
Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Business development exec Lawrence Patrick joined charity The Mehiel Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 19 December 2025 • 1 min read