‘It’d be nice to get a clear out and start again’: Labour facing battle on both fronts in the city where it was born
Labour, which traces its origins to Bradford, faces significant challenges in maintaining support in the city amid growing dissatisfaction with the party. Longtime residents like John Varey express disillusionment and a desire for political renewal, reflecting broader discontent. With Labour controlling Bradford Council since 2014, upcoming local elections may signal a shift in the city's political landscape.
- ▪Labour can trace its roots back to Bradford, where the Independent Labour Party was established in 1893.
- ▪A mural on the Playhouse theatre in Bradford commemorates the centenary of the Independent Labour Party.
- ▪John Varey, a 59-year-old florist, believes many people are losing faith in the Labour Party.
- ▪Bradford Council has been under Labour control since 2014 with 46 out of 90 councillors.
- ▪Upcoming local elections may challenge Labour’s hold in the city where it was born.
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NewsUKUK Politicslocal elections‘It’d be nice to get a clear out and start again’: Labour facing battle on both fronts in the city where it was bornThe Labour Party can trace its roots back to Bradford but this city, which has battled deindustrialisation, could be about to move on from it, as Dan Haygarth finds outMonday 04 May 2026 08:28 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2967377","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bradford-local-elections-labour-reform-b2967377.html","title":"Labour facing battle on both fronts…
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