Labour suffered heavy losses in England's local elections as Reform UK made significant gains, including taking control of its first council. The party lost councillors in traditional northern heartlands, with Reform winning every seat in Hartlepool and gaining control of Newcastle-under-Lyme from Labour.
In Tamworth, Labour's grip weakened as Reform surged, reflecting a broader trend across the country. Keir Starmer's party was expected to lose up to 1,850 councillors, with senior figures describing the contest as 'tough'. Initial results showed Labour losing seats in Chorley, Wigan, Redditch, and Tamworth.
Reform leader Nigel Farage called the early results a 'historic change in British politics', noting 'stunning percentages in traditional old Labour areas'. Political scientist Sir John Curtice said Reform was clearly winning the most votes but had 'probably not' reached 30%, indicating a fracturing of British politics.
Labour MP Jonathan Brash, whose wife lost her seat in Hartlepool, called for Starmer's departure, saying 'we need change at the top of the Labour party'. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said a leadership change must be 'on the agenda' if results prove 'the nightmare as we are worried it will be'.
The Liberal Democrats celebrated 'stonking results', taking control of councils in Stockport and Portsmouth. The Greens were optimistic about Hackney but struggled to convert votes into seats. Turnout was 31.5%, slightly higher than in 2024.
