William Eichler 08 May 2026

Local Elections 2026: Results show Reform surge and Labour losses

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

With counting still under way and 65 of 136 English councils declared, early results point to a turbulent election for the major established parties.

Labour has suffered the heaviest losses, shedding 394 councillors and 11 councils, while the Conservatives have also declined, losing 267 councillors and three councils.

The Liberal Democrats are recording modest gains, adding 29 councillors and taking control of one additional council.

The standout story, however, is Reform UK's dramatic breakthrough. The party has gained 583 councillors — taking its total to 585 — and seized control of four councils, having held none previously.

The Greens are also making incremental progress, adding 66 councillors. Meanwhile, 34 councils are currently under no overall control, up nine on previous results.

While mayoral results across five areas — including Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Croydon — are yet to declare, the Greens have won Hackney.

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

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