The next big test for the political parties comes next May with the local council elections.
At present, things seem to be changing by the week in the political lexicon.
The Labour government seems to be struggling, despite its huge majority.
Many of its problems come from a failure to communicate what it is about and what it is doing.
There is no clear narrative, yet many good things are going on. This vacuum is being filled by other parties.
By contrast, there is a media fascination with Reform UK. It is hard to believe that this party has just five MPs. This contrasts with the Independents, who have the same number and the Greens with four.
Arguably, Reform gets more coverage than the Liberal Democrats, with its 72 MPs. Much of course is to do with Reform’s continual high ratings in the opinion polls that indicate it could be the next government.
But that election is still four years away.
Some in the media claim they are providing scrutiny of Reform, whilst others just see Nigel Farage and his party as good box office, always ready with a catchy soundbite.
Reform is certainly playing the system, announcing policies as if a general election is imminent.
The electorate would, though, do well to look at what is going on in those areas, where Reform is now running things, as well as in America, where the chaos being created by Donald Trump's administration is a forerunner of what would be likely to happen here if Reform ever does lead the national government.
The principles outlined, with emphasis on addressing poverty and inequality and opposing war, are more in line with the original ones of the Labour Party.
The Labour Party should beware the threat it faces from the left, via the likes of this new party, the Greens and Liberal Democrats.
All of these changes in the political landscape mean the upcoming local elections are likely to see some major power shifts in the political scene.
In Redbridge, Labour currently hold 54 seats, the Conservatives five, with four Independents. Recent by-elections highlight the threat posed by the independents, with Reform also likely to have more of a day this time.
For my own part, I have decided that after eight years, I won't be standing for the Labour Party in Redbridge next May. But more on that in due course.
- Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).
