Keir Starmer’s ruling Labour Party suffered significant losses in local elections across England. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK delivered a powerful surge, winning hundreds of seats.
Based on preliminary results (approximately 30–44 of 136 councils declared), Reform UK gained 362 seats (+360). The party took outright control of individual councils for the first time — including Newcastle-under-Lyme — and posted strong results in traditional Labour “Red Wall” areas across the North and Midlands.
Labour lost 249 seats (–251) and ceded control of several key councils. The Conservatives also recorded losses, finishing with 248 seats (–145).
The Liberal Democrats posted a modest gain (+35, 241 seats), as did the Greens (+27, 51 seats). Many councils moved to No Overall Control.
More than 5,000 councillors were being elected across 136 local councils in England — including all 32 London boroughs — alongside 6 mayoral contests.
Elections to the Scottish Parliament (Holyrood) and the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) are taking place simultaneously, with counting still under way.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the results as “very painful” and accepted full responsibility. “We have lost brilliant Labour representatives right across the country,” he said.
The elections marked the first major test of the Labour government since its general election victory in 2024. Analysts attribute the losses to voter dissatisfaction over immigration, the economy, taxation, and the cost of living.
Counting continues. Full results for England are expected by Saturday, 9 May. The elections could significantly reshape the UK’s political landscape and affect the position of the incumbent Prime Minister.