In the heart of Doncaster, a small city in South Yorkshire, Richie Vallance energized passersby on a bustling street with impassioned calls for change. "You cant fix the system with the same hands that broke it," he declared through a megaphone, seated on his mobility scooter. Vallance's rallying cry, Lets make Doncaster Doncaster again, resonated with some, but many onlookers seemed indifferent, walking past without engaging.

Vallance, an independent candidate, is gearing up for the upcoming mayoral elections scheduled for May 1, where all 55 council seats will also be contested. Doncaster is emerging as a critical battleground in this election cycle, as the Labour Party faces increasing pressure from the Reform UK party, which has recently gained significant traction in public opinion polls.

Under the leadership of Nigel Farage, Reform UK has seen a surge in support, and recent polling data indicates that they could potentially secure control of the council, a significant shift in a city that has been under Labour governance for almost half a century. A poll conducted by Electoral Calculus for The Telegraph last month suggested that Reform is projected to win 32 of the council's 55 seats, a substantial victory that could reshape local politics in Doncaster.

Its a beautiful town, with so much potential, Vallance remarked, expressing his vision for the city. He has shown some alignment with Reform UK's policies and previously considered running under their banner. Vallance highlighted his support for Brexit and a focus on addressing immigration issues, specifically referencing the presence of 688 asylum seekers currently housed in Doncaster, according to Home Office statistics.

Many local residents echoed Vallance's concerns, suggesting that they feel immigration has negatively impacted the community. One resident expressed a sentiment that is becoming increasingly common in discussions: I know theyve got to be put somewhere but Doncaster has changed, and its not for the better. This kind of discontent is precisely what Reform UK hopes to capitalize on, as evidenced by Farages recent visit to the city to support their mayoral candidate, Alexander Jones.

Despite the challenges faced by Labour, which has struggled to retain its popularity amid budget cuts and public dissatisfaction, Vallances campaign is far from unchallenged. Current Labour mayor Ros Jones, who has held her position since 2013, has had to make difficult decisions regarding council services, grappling with significant financial constraints imposed by central government. I have made incredibly difficult decisions in terms of council services over the years of austerity, protecting frontline services and keeping council tax low, with Doncaster having the lowest council tax in Yorkshire, Jones stated, aware of the scrutiny she faces.

While some residents expressed contentment with Labours leadership, calling Jones a capable leader, the shadow of the councils past failures lingers. Under her early tenure, Doncaster was labeled the worst council in Britain by tabloid media, a reputation that continues to haunt the local government.

A surprising finding among Doncaster voters is the general unfamiliarity with national party leaders. Even Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, was only vaguely recognized by some residents. This lack of awareness could spell trouble for Labour, presenting an unexpected opportunity for Reform, though Farages name also failed to resonate with many. Never heard of him, remarked Shelly, who was shopping with her friends in the Frenchgate shopping centre, while Jade jokingly asked, Was he in the Celebrity jungle?

The trio did, however, resonate with the partys stance on immigration. We need to get back to British, not everybody else, Siobhan added, expressing a sentiment shared by many who feel that migrants are being prioritized over local citizens. They cited concerns about the treatment of migrants, noting that they are often housed in hotels and provided with resources without needing to work. I darent say owt because it sounds racist, Shelly added, reflecting a common apprehension among residents when discussing these issues.

As the election approaches, all parties face the challenge of mobilizing voters. Many individuals in Doncaster reported that they either did not plan to vote or were unaware that local elections were imminent. I dont do politics, one man observed, adding, Whoevers the prime minister, good luck to them.

Others, like Naomi Nache and Michael Yip, who relocated to Doncaster for work at an Amazon warehouse, expressed their intention to leave for a larger city, citing a lack of activities and a sense of insecurity in the area. Nache voiced her concerns, saying, It can be a bit scary. It doesnt feel safe. I wouldnt come to the town centre by myself.

Vallance has made public safety and addressing antisocial behavior central tenets of his campaign, drawing from his own past experiences. He has previously encountered legal issues for his unconventional attention-grabbing tactics as the Donny Klown, and he now hopes to channel his energy into real change. I scared a lot of people and Im really sorry about what I did. I went about it the wrong way, Vallance admitted. I took the mask off many years ago. Now I want to show who the real clowns are.