William Eichler 08 May 2026

Local Elections 2026: Early results show Reform surge and Labour losses

Local Elections 2026: Early results show Reform surge and Labour losses image
© lazyllama / Shutterstock.com.

With counting still under way and 44 of 136 English councils declared, early results point to a turbulent night for the major established parties.

Labour has suffered the heaviest losses, shedding 254 councillors and eight councils, while the Conservatives have also declined, losing 146 councillors and one council.

The Liberal Democrats are recording modest gains, adding 35 councillors and taking control of one additional council.

The standout story of the night, however, is Reform UK's dramatic breakthrough. The party has gained 367 councillors — taking its total to 369 — and seized control of one council, having held none previously.

The Greens are also making incremental progress, adding 27 councillors. Meanwhile, 22 councils are currently under no overall control, up seven on previous results.

Mayoral results across six areas — including Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney and Croydon — are yet to declare.

Check out: Local Elections: What voters really want from their councils

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