The 2026 local elections have delivered dramatic shifts across the United Kingdom, with Reform UK emerging as a major force by gaining over 1,400 councillors and taking control of 14 councils. Labour suffered severe losses, losing 35 councils and witnessing the Hackney mayoralty fall to the Green Party. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced calls for his resignation from within his own party but insisted he would not step down, stating he would not 'walk away and plunge the country into chaos.'
Key Results Across England
Elections were held in 136 local authorities, including major cities and London boroughs. Reform UK secured its first London council by winning control of Havering. The Conservatives gained Westminster City Council from Labour and pushed Wandsworth to no overall control. Labour lost long-held councils in Brent, Enfield, Haringey, Southwark, and Lambeth, all falling to no overall control after decades of Labour dominance. In the north, Labour also lost councils it had controlled for generations.
On Saturday, Reform took control of Barnsley and ended Labour's hopes of retaining Bradford. However, Labour held firm in Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow, Barking and Dagenham, Camden, Islington, and Greenwich, and narrowly won in Merton, defying polls that suggested a Liberal Democrat victory.
Liberal Democrats and Greens
The Liberal Democrats gained over 150 councillors, taking control of Stockport and Portsmouth, and becoming the sole party on Richmond upon Thames Council. However, they lost their slender majority in Hull. The Green Party won mayoralties in Hackney, Lewisham, and Waltham Forest, and secured four councils overall.
Scotland and Wales
In Scotland, the SNP retained its status as the largest party in Holyrood with 58 seats, falling short of an overall majority. Labour and Reform each won 17 seats, the Greens 15, Conservatives 12, and Liberal Democrats 10. First Minister John Swinney expressed confidence that the SNP would remain the largest party, while Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar conceded defeat, acknowledging his party was 'hurting.' The SNP gained seats from other parties, including Shetland from the Liberal Democrats and Eastwood from the Scottish Conservatives, aided by Reform's rise.
In Wales, Labour lost power after 27 years, and First Minister Eluned Morgan lost her seat, marking a historic defeat.
Context and Comparisons
These elections represent the largest set of local contests in three years, with 5,013 English council seats up for election. Labour defended 2,557 seats, the Conservatives 1,362, Liberal Democrats 684, and other parties 410. This contrasts with 2025, when the Tories defended more seats. In 2022, Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Greens made gains at the Tories' expense, while Reform UK won only two seats. Last year, Reform gained 677 seats, while the Conservatives lost 674 and Labour lost 187.
Nigel Farage's party aims for continued success, as polling suggests major losses for both Labour and the Conservatives. The results underscore a volatile political landscape, with Reform UK reshaping local government and challenging the traditional two-party dominance.
