Reform UK Hartlepool Appoints New Interim Chair Ahead of Crucial May Elections

New Leadership for Reform UK Hartlepool as Election Preparation Begins

28th November 2025

Reform UK’s Hartlepool branch has announced a significant change in its local leadership as the party gears up for what's expected to be a pivotal campaign season in the seaside town.

Its been reported Graham Harrison has stepped into the role of Interim Chair of Reform UK Hartlepool, with a clear mission: to restore unity, strengthen organisation, and prepare the branch for the upcoming local elections in May.

In his first statement since taking on the position, Harrison expressed both gratitude and determination, paying tribute to former members whose efforts helped establish Reform UK as a growing political force in the town, acknowledging that their work laid the foundations for what comes next.

With May fast approaching, Reform UK Hartlepool is said to be entering one of its busiest periods, with Harrison confirming that the branch is currently vetting potential candidates and expects to finalise ward placements within the next week. Once confirmed, the full list of Reform candidates set to stand in the May 2026 local elections will be officially announced at a next branch meeting—an event Harrison plans to organise as soon as selections are completed.

The new Interim Chair has also issued a call to unity across Hartlepool following previous months of the political group seeing its members at loggerheads with the direction the party had been travelling. From leaflet delivery and door knocking to taking part in action days, Harrison emphasised that every bit of volunteer support will be crucial in the months ahead as they bid to bring Labours control of Hartlepool Borough Council to an end & divert the councils course towards Labour bankrupting the local council which in 2023 was declared an authority with no public confidence.

Labours Local Election campaign for 2026 has reportedly stated months ago following a dramatic loss of support for the political party which only regained control of Hartlepool Borough Council back in 2024 from a group of Conservatives & Independents with experts already predicting Labours set to see heavy losses in Hartlepool Council wards across the borough with even the conservatives likely to see significant losses to Reform next year.

Keir Starmer nearly stood down as labour Leader when Hartlepool was lost to the conservatives in a 2021 by-election

Nationally, the 2026 local elections could be the year which sees labour Leader Keir Starmer removed as Prime Minister following claims nationally, the election losses could trigger a cabinet revolt, as Labours backbenchers seek to depose Starmer following whats likely to be devastating local election losses to Reform, paving the way for what many claim will trigger an early General Election.

As Hartlepool moves closer to the local elections, both Labour and Reform are expected to significantly intensify their campaigning. In a town where the political pendulum swings frequently, with Hartlepool offering an early glimpse into the national mood — & a small-scale preview of the political direction the country may soon take if an early General Election was to be called....