In towns across Britain, one of the most visible signs of economic decline is the state of our high streets. Once thriving hubs of local commerce, social life, and community identity, they have been hollowed out by years of neglect, rising costs, out-of-town developments, and online retail dominance. For many working-class communities, particularly in post-industrial towns where Labour once held unshakeable majorities, the boarded-up shops and lifeless precincts have become symbols of abandonment.
Reform UK has been quick to capitalise on this sense of decline and disconnection. With populist rhetoric and a focus on local grievances, Reform has weaponised the collapse of the high street to draw a direct line between economic stagnation and political betrayal. They were able to tell a story in the local elections of decline and use examples of how businesses believe some current government policies have harmed High Streets. In doing so, they have peeled away support from Labour. They’ve not doing this by offering real answers, but they tapped into real anger.
High streets are more than just places to shop. They are places people feel should reflect the health and pride of a community. When Reform candidates knock on doors or set up stalls in struggling towns, they point to the shuttered shops and say, “This is what Labour left you with.” They don’t need a policy as they have the visual evidence. The emotional weight of decline becomes a political weapon, and Labour’s historical dominance in these areas turns from an asset to a liability. Reform were able to point to policy areas such as the increase in National Insurance contributions that smaller high street businesses will struggle with and the ban on vapes which retailers fear will push them out of business.
Labour is yet to articulate a compelling or visible plan for revitalising town centres. While Labour councils and MPs have in many cases worked hard to attract investment and support regeneration, the national narrative has been less convincing. In contrast, Reform’s message is simple and emotionally charged: your community has been let down, and we are the only ones angry enough to fight back.
In their campaigning, Reform often links the decline of the high street with wider themes of national decay such as immigration, crime, and cultural change. They suggest that money goes everywhere except to “our own people,” and that Britain is being left behind. It’s a toxic message, but it resonates in areas that have seen little material benefit from Westminster politics in decades. Labour needs a compelling alternative to this narrative that is becoming more attractive to voters.
To win back these voters, Labour must reclaim the high street as a symbol of its own vision: rebuilding local economies, championing small businesses, investing in local infrastructure, and putting community wealth at the heart of economic growth. Initiatives like local banking hubs, rent caps on empty premises, reconsidering some of those policy areas mentioned earlier and repurposing high streets for housing and culture could all help. But most of all, Labour must be present physically and politically in these communities.
The decline of the high street is not just an economic issue; it’s a political battleground. If Labour wants to win the towns that once powered its movement, it must offer not just criticism of the Tories or condemnation of Reform.
