Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections overnight, losing control of councils in Hartlepool, Tameside, Redditch and Tamworth, and losing every council seat it contested in Hartlepool to Reform UK. The results have put Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership under renewed pressure, with Labour MP Jonathan Brash calling on Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure.
Polling expert Robert Hayward had predicted Labour could lose approximately 1,850 councillors in England. Early results showed the party had lost more than 229 seats, while Reform UK gained 305 seats, making it the biggest winner from overnight counting. The Conservatives also lost 122 council seats to Reform UK but regained control of Westminster Council.
Labour's performance was worse outside London, but the party held on to Hammersmith and Fulham council and defeated a strong Liberal Democrat challenge in Merton. Polling expert John Curtice described the night as one of 'substantial success' for Reform UK. The Liberal Democrats expected an eighth consecutive set of local election gains, while the Greens hoped to make headway later.
In Downing Street, extra advisers have been brought in to help Starmer survive the coming days. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy urged colleagues to remain loyal, saying 'you don't change the pilot during a flight.' However, Hayward noted that all of Starmer's likely challengers are also facing heavy losses in their own areas, including former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner in Tameside and Health Secretary Wes Streeting in Redbridge.
