Reform and Greens surge as Labour loses more than 1,400 seats

Labour has suffered heavy losses in local elections across England, losing around 1,500 councillors and control of dozens of councils, as Reform UK and the Green Party made big gains.

The elections were held on 7 May for more than 5,000 seats on 136 English councils, including every London borough and most metropolitan boroughs, along with six elected mayors. Elections for the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Senedd were held on the same day.

The results

Reform UK gained around 1,450 councillors and control of 13 councils. The Green Party won 587 seats, its highest number of councillors ever, and had the largest increase in its share of the vote.

Labour lost 1,498 councillors and control of 38 councils. The Conservatives showed signs of a slight recovery, while the Liberal Democrats saw little change.

A fragmented picture

Polling experts say the results confirm how fragmented British politics has become. Reform UK won around 26 to 27 per cent of the projected national vote, with the other main parties grouped around 16 to 20 per cent.

Reform did especially well in areas that voted strongly to leave the European Union. The Greens and independent candidates took votes from Labour in many city areas, including areas with large Muslim populations.

Birmingham

Birmingham was among the councils holding all-out elections, with every seat on the city council up for election. The campaign took place against the background of the long-running bin strike, which has become a major political issue in the city.

No party won an overall majority on the council, and talks between the parties about forming an administration are expected to follow.

Pressure on Starmer

The results have put the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, under intense pressure. Some Labour MPs are calling for him to go, and there is speculation about a leadership challenge.

Starmer has said he will fight on and will not resign.

Reaction

Reform UK now presents itself as the main challenger to Labour, while the Greens have broken through in areas where they have never been strong before.