The outcome of the May 7 elections has sent political records tumbling across Britain, with history made and milestones broken in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Labour's Historic Council Losses
Labour has lost power at several English councils it had controlled for decades. In Gateshead, Sunderland, and Wakefield, Labour had held uninterrupted majorities since the councils were established in 1973. That long run has ended, with Reform winning enough seats to take full control. At Sandwell, Labour's majority since 1979 is over, as Reform becomes the new majority party. Labour also lost its majority on Tameside council after 47 years, losing 14 of 15 seats to Reform, leaving no group with overall control. At Knowsley, Labour retained its majority but now holds only 53% of seats, its lowest share, after losses to Reform and independents.
Conservative Losses in Essex and Hampshire
In Essex, the Conservatives lost their majority for the first time since 2001, with Reform gaining overall control. In Hampshire, the Tories lost their majority for the first time since 1997, again to Reform, though no party achieved full control.
Welsh Political Landscape Transformed
In Wales, Plaid Cymru became the largest party in the Senedd for the first time. The Greens and Reform won their first Senedd seats, while Labour and the Conservatives recorded their worst performances. Labour had been the largest party in Wales for over a century, but this unbroken run has ended.
Scottish Parliament Records
In Scotland, Labour and the Conservatives saw their lowest-ever numbers of MSPs: 17 and 12 seats respectively, down from previous lows of 22 and 15. The Greens achieved a record 15 seats, up from eight in 2021. The SNP won the most seats for the fifth consecutive election and remain the largest group for a 19th year.
London Council and Mayoral Firsts
In London, the Greens and Reform took control of councils for the first time: Hackney and Waltham Forest for the Greens, and Havering for Reform. The Greens also won their first directly elected mayors: Zoe Garbett in Hackney with 47% and Liam Shrivastava in Lewisham with 40%, defeating Labour incumbents. Labour lost overall control in Haringey and Newham, councils it had held since 1971.
Liberal Democrats Sweep Richmond
The Liberal Democrats won all 54 seats at Richmond-upon-Thames, the first clean sweep of a London council. They also won both new authorities of East Surrey and West Surrey, replacing Surrey county and district councils from 2027.
