Iqbal Mohamed: Independent MP welcomed in Dewsbury and Batley

An appetite for change in this part of the world is not new.

Just two months ago, five independent candidates won seats on Kirklees Council in the local elections, with the Labour Party losing overall control amid huge financial pressures and controversy over the national leadership’s stance on Gaza.

“People are fed-up with Labour, especially with the state of Kirklees Council,” civil servant Rehana Ismail explained on her way to a doctor’s appointment.

“People wanted a change. Between Labour and the Conservatives, there isn’t much difference.”

The issue of Gaza remained “massive for a lot of people in Dewsbury and Batley”, added the 45-year-old, who voted for Mr Mohamed.

The UK’s newest political party, Reform, finished third in Dewsbury and Batley, further underlining the appetite for change.

The BBC spoke to one Reform voter, a 63-year-old retired engineer who did not want to give his name.

He was coy about his reasons for voting Reform, but wished the new incumbent here well.

“I don’t know anything about him, you have got to give somebody a chance,” he said.