Voters across the United Kingdom are preparing to cast their ballots in the crucial local elections on May 7, 2026. Thousands of council seats, several mayoral positions, and the Scottish and Welsh governments are up for grabs. Political parties are campaigning vigorously, each offering distinct promises to win over constituents.
Labour
Labour is bracing for significant losses, with polling expert Lord Robert Hayward predicting a loss of approximately 1,850 seats. The party currently holds over half of the contested seats. Launching the campaign, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised "Labour values" and his government's efforts to tackle the cost of living. He stated that most people are concerned about the cost of living regardless of global or political events. The government is urging voters to support Labour candidates to enable Labour-majority councils to work with the Labour government, though low confidence in the current administration may dampen enthusiasm.
Common themes in local Labour manifestos include building thousands of new social and affordable homes, enhancing safety through community wardens and CCTV, and green initiatives like planting more trees and introducing low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). Many also focus on increasing opportunities for young people, such as youth clubs and school-leaver programmes. In Wales, Labour has pledged £4 billion for a "Hospitals of the Future Fund" to build new hospitals in Wrexham, Cardiff, and west Wales, and promised not to raise income tax rates. In Scotland, the party has committed to not increasing income tax for five years and constructing 125,000 new homes.
Reform UK
Reform UK is expected to gain numerous seats from both Labour and the Conservatives, building on last year's success. The party's slogan directly targets the unpopular prime minister: "Vote Reform. Get Starmer out." Leader Nigel Farage explained that the slogan focuses on Sir Keir because the elections are in Labour's strongest areas, and the government's promises from 2024 have been ignored. The central party is vocal on immigration, while local branches often pledge to fix potholes, keep council tax rises low, boost community safety, improve bin collections, and implement the party's cost-saving DOGE scheme for councils. In Wales, Reform has vowed to end the "Nation of Sanctuary" status, scrap "migrant hotels," and end "net-zero dogma," including a ban on new onshore wind and solar farms. In Scotland, the party's guiding principles include not spending more than tax revenue.
Green Party
The Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, anticipates large gains, capitalising on their historic victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election. The party emphasises housing and attracts voters with its pro-Palestine, anti-war stance on international affairs. Polanski called for "robust sanctions" on Israel and an end to the genocide. In Hackney, a key target, candidate Zoë Garbett noted that Gaza, housing, disability support, and immigration are frequent doorstep issues. In Tower Hamlets, the party has pledged to twin the area with a Palestinian town and protect migrants by not sharing information with immigration enforcement. The Greens, calling themselves the "party of renters," advocate for stronger tenant protections and rent controls. In Wales, they propose a one-year rent freeze while developing a rent control system to spare renters from cost hikes. Although rent controls may take longer in England, elected Greens will continue leading the campaign against Labour and the landlord lobby.
Conservatives
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch insists the party is "fighting to win everywhere," though the Conservatives are also expected to suffer heavy losses. The party pledges to "get Britain working again" and positions itself as the only party with a plan to improve life through welfare and business rate changes. Badenoch highlights cutting the benefits bill and the "cheap power plan," which rolls back green energy rules and relies more on oil and gas. The party also pledges to abolish business rates bills under £110,000 to support pubs, restaurants, and high street shops. Local Conservative groups focus on crime prevention, with pledges for extra enforcement officers and more CCTV. Other common pledges include defending green spaces, cleaner streets, and improving transport. In Wales, the Conservatives promise to cut the basic income tax rate by 1p and scrap stamp duty. The Scottish manifesto, titled "Get Scotland working," proposes cutting income tax to 19p in the pound and guaranteeing 48-hour GP appointments.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats are expected to gain around 150 seats, according to Lord Hayward. Launching the campaign in Surrey, leader Ed Davey emphasised cutting energy bills, improving local health services, and cleaning up polluted rivers. He said the party focuses on getting GP and dentist appointments, standing up to water companies dumping sewage, revitalising high streets, and helping with the cost of living. Davey stated, "We don't do division. We do potholes, police officers, GP appointments, clean rivers. If you vote Liberal Democrat on May 7, you'll get a local champion fixing things for your community." Common themes in local manifestos include backing national campaigns on social care, cleaner streets, and cleaner air.
