Voters are preparing to cast their ballots in next week's local elections, with political parties competing for thousands of council seats, mayoral positions, and devolved government roles in Scotland and Wales. The elections on May 7 are expected to be a major test for the main parties.
Labour
Labour is bracing for significant losses, with polling expert Lord Robert Hayward predicting the party could lose up to 1,850 seats. Sir Keir Starmer launched the campaign emphasising "Labour values" and measures to tackle the cost of living. Common local pledges include building thousands of new social and affordable homes, increasing community wardens and CCTV, and planting more trees. In Wales, Labour promises a £4bn Hospitals of the Future Fund and no income tax rises. In Scotland, the party pledges no income tax increase for five years and 125,000 new homes.
Reform UK
Reform UK is expected to gain seats from both Labour and the Conservatives. Its slogan, "Vote Reform. Get Starmer out," targets the Prime Minister directly. Local pledges often focus on fixing potholes, keeping council tax rises low, boosting community safety, and improving bin collections. In Wales, Reform proposes ending the "Nation of Sanctuary" policy and scrapping net-zero targets. In Scotland, the party emphasises not spending more than tax revenue.
Green Party
The Green Party anticipates large gains, building on recent by-election success. Key pledges include stronger renter protections and rent controls. In Hackney, mayoral candidate Zoë Garbett highlights Gaza, housing, and disability support. In Tower Hamlets, the party pledges to twin the area with a Palestinian town and protect migrants from immigration enforcement. In Wales, Greens propose a one-year rent freeze while developing rent controls.
Conservatives
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch insists the party is "fighting to win everywhere," but losses are expected. The party pledges to "get Britain working again" through welfare and business rates changes, a cheap power plan relying more on oil and gas, and abolishing business rates under £110,000. Local groups focus on crime prevention with extra enforcement officers and CCTV, defending green spaces, cleaner streets, and improving transport. In Wales, they propose a 1p income tax cut and scrapping stamp duty. In Scotland, the manifesto "Get Scotland working" pledges cutting income tax to 19p and guaranteeing 48-hour GP appointments.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats are set to gain around 150 seats, according to Lord Hayward. Leader Ed Davey focuses on cutting energy bills, improving local health services, and cleaning up rivers. Local manifestos back national campaigns on social care, cleaner streets, and air quality. The party's message: "We do potholes, police officers, GP appointments, clean rivers."
