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, sparking concerns for the center.
The south Wales town of Caerphilly, known for its 13th-century castle, has become a significant location in politics. A century of Labour Party rule was recently broken in a by-election for the Senedd, the Welsh parliament.
- Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru gained 47.4% of the vote on the left.
- Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK gained 36% on the right.
- Labour's vote share was merely 11%, alarming strategists ahead of future elections.
These results are concerning for Labour ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections and the 2029 Westminster general election.
As
left-wing and populist parties go mainstream, can the center hold?
Author's summary: Labour's by-election disaster sparks concerns for Europe's centrists.