In a significant turn of events during the recent local elections held on 7 May 2026, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. The Reform Party made considerable gains, while the Labour Party faced losses across various regions, including councils in England, Scotland, and Wales. With approximately 5,000 seats contested, voters responded to a changing political climate, leading to a redistribution of power among local councils and devolved parliaments.
Key Results Across England
The elections saw Labour’s grip on local councils weaken considerably. In Manchester, despite only a third of the seats being contested, Labour suffered a major blow, losing 24 of the 30 seats it was defending. The Green Party emerged as the biggest winner in the city, seizing 17 of those seats.
In other notable areas, the Reform Party captured its first-ever London council in Havering, unseating a coalition previously led by the Residents Association. This marks a pivotal moment for the party, highlighting its growing influence in the capital.
Labour’s performance was particularly lacklustre in Blackburn with Darwen, where both major parties lost ground to Reform and independent candidates. Meanwhile, the Greens maintained their momentum, achieving significant gains in Hastings, traditionally a stronghold for Labour.
Scotland’s Political Landscape
The Scottish Parliament elections revealed a mixed bag for the SNP, which retained its status as the largest party but lost two seats, bringing their total to 58. Labour and Reform both made strides, with Labour gaining three seats for a total of 17, and Reform dramatically increasing their presence by securing 17 seats, a gain of 16.
The Lib Dems also had a successful outing, picking up five seats, while the Conservatives experienced a significant drop, losing 16 seats overall. This reshuffling indicates a shift in voter sentiment and potential fragmentation of traditional party loyalties.
Changes in Wales
Wales implemented a new electoral system for the Senedd elections, resulting in a proportional representation model that reshaped party dynamics. The Plaid Cymru emerged as the dominant force, winning 43 out of 96 seats, while Reform claimed 34 seats, marking a dramatic increase in their influence. Labour and the Conservatives were left trailing, with only 9 and 7 seats respectively.
This new system could have long-lasting implications for how parties campaign and strategise in future elections, as voters may now feel their choices are more accurately reflected in the assembly.
Elected Mayors and Council Control
The mayoral elections also delivered surprises, particularly in Hackney, where the Greens achieved a notable victory, unseating Labour with 47.2% of the vote. The Conservatives managed to hold onto their mayoralty in Croydon by a narrow margin, while the Greens also made gains in Lewisham.
Overall, Labour’s control diminished, with a net loss of 1,051 councillors across England. The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats also faced setbacks, while Reform and the Greens emerged as the clear beneficiaries of this electoral shift.
Why it Matters
The results from these local elections serve as a wake-up call for established parties, particularly Labour and the Conservatives, as they grapple with the rise of Reform and the Greens. As voter priorities evolve, political parties must reassess their strategies to regain traction in an increasingly competitive landscape. This electoral cycle reflects broader trends in British politics, where traditional party loyalties are being challenged, signalling a potential realignment that could reshape the future of governance in the UK.