Alexander Buchanan - Councillor for Sleaford Westholme Ward | Reform Watch

In a rare win for Reform UK amid declining national polls, Sandy Buchanan gained the Sleaford Westholme ward in North Kesteven District Council on March 12, 2026, flipping it from a Lincolnshire Independent. Reform secured 45.1% in the low-turnout (about 25-30%) by-election, far ahead of the Independents (16.1%), with Conservatives third and Labour/Greens trailing. This anti-establishment breakthrough in a conservative, Brexit-leaning rural area highlights targeted appeal in disaffected Tory heartlands. But as their only gain out of five contests that night, it tempers claims of a broader surge. Low voter engagement diluted the mandate.