Labour has suffered significant losses in England's local elections, with Reform UK making substantial gains and taking control of its first council. The results have intensified pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with some Labour figures calling for his resignation.
Reform UK won overall control of Newcastle-under-Lyme from Labour early on Friday, and secured all 12 seats up for election in Hartlepool, pushing Labour into opposition there. Other losses for Labour occurred in Chorley, Wigan, Redditch and Tamworth. The party had been expected to lose up to 1,850 councillors.
Political scientist Professor Sir John Curtice said Reform was clearly winning the most votes in early counts but had 'probably not' reached 30% of the vote, indicating a fragmented political landscape. He noted that the Greens were struggling to convert votes into seats due to many second and third-place finishes.
Labour MP Jonathan Brash, whose wife lost her seat in Hartlepool, called for Starmer to go, 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 the results prove as bad as feared, but stressed it should be an orderly transition.
The Liberal Democrats celebrated gains, taking control of councils in Stockport and Portsmouth, while the Greens expressed optimism about taking Hackney council. Turnout was 31.5%, slightly higher than in 2024.
