Keir Starmer is bracing for a tough set of results in local elections across parts of England and the devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales. Voters have had their say, with polls closing at 10pm after millions made their choices at the ballot box.
Key Parties and Expectations
Nigel Farage's Reform UK is expected to make major gains across the country, including in Wales and Scotland. The Greens are also anticipated to prove a thorn in Labour's side, posing a serious threat in London.
Results Timeline
Results will trickle out overnight and throughout Friday, with a few final areas not finishing counts until Saturday. Crunch declarations in Wales and Scotland are due later this afternoon.
Wales and Scotland Battlegrounds
The Prime Minister is expected to suffer devastating losses in Wales, where Labour has been in power since devolution in 1999. Labour could fall to third place, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK neck-and-neck for the largest party. Senedd results are expected between 2pm and 5:30pm. All eyes will be on whether First Minister Eluned Morgan holds her marginal seat in Ceredigion Penfro.
In Scotland, the Scottish National Party is expected to hold on despite nearly 20 years in power marred by failure and scandal. Reform UK is also expected to make gains north of the border. Holyrood results are not expected until 12pm to 6:30pm.
Other Key Areas
- Sunderland: A Labour-controlled council since 1974, all 75 seats are contested. Reform is targeting this North East city.
- Norfolk County Council: Great Yarmouth is at the heart of a right-wing power struggle between Reform UK and Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain.
- Suffolk County Council: The battle between Reform and the Tories will be worth watching, with a strong challenge from Mr Farage's team.
- London: The Greens and Labour face tight races, notably in Islington, where Labour's performance against a Green challenge will be telling.
Check our maps of England, Scotland, and Wales for full 2026 local election results as they come in.
