Iqbal Mohamed: Independent MP received in Dewsbury and Batley

The 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 local elections, with the Labor 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 the state of Kirklees Council,” explained civil servant Rehana Ismail on her way to a doctor’s appointment.

“People wanted a change. Between Labor and the Tories, there’s not much of a difference.”

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

Britain’s newest political party, Reform, finished third in Dewsbury and Batley, further underscoring the appetite for change.

The BBC spoke to one reform voter, a 63-year-old retired engineer who did not want to be named.

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

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