Labour has lost control of Wandsworth Council in south-west London, marking the sixth local authority loss for the party in the latest round of local elections. The party shed six seats, reducing its total to 28, resulting in no single party holding a majority on the council.
Conservative gains but no overall control
The Conservatives gained eight seats, bringing their total to 29, but were unable to secure overall control of Wandsworth Council. This outcome reverses Labour's upset victory in 2022, when they took control from the Conservatives who had governed the council since 1978.
Reactions and broader context
A Conservative spokesperson expressed delight at retaking Westminster City Council, stating it shows the party is 'coming back in London' under Kemi Badenoch and predicting a 'terrible night' for Labour in the capital. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage claimed Reform UK is on course for a general election win after early local gains.
In full, local election results live: Labour loses control of eight councils as Reform makes huge gains.
