LONDON — Reform UK made major gains in local elections across England while the governing Labour Party lost more than 1,000 council seats, according to official election results released in May, adding pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government and reshaping the country's local political landscape.
Final results from 136 councils showed Labour lost about 1,500 councillor positions and control of dozens of local authorities, while Reform UK gained roughly the same number of seats and took control of multiple councils for the first time, according to election tallies compiled by local government and election-monitoring organizations.
The elections, held across England on May 7, were widely viewed as a test of public support for Labour less than two years after the party won a parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election. Results showed losses for both Labour and the opposition Conservatives, while Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, recorded its strongest local-election performance to date.
According to LocalGov's compilation of results, Labour lost 1,496 councillors and 38 councils, while Reform UK gained 1,451 councillors and secured control of 14 councils. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party also posted gains.
Farage described the outcome as a “historic shift in British politics,” according to ITV News. Reform candidates won control of councils in areas previously dominated by Labour and the Conservatives, including parts of northern England and several traditionally Conservative-held authorities.
Labour officials acknowledged voter dissatisfaction but said the government remained focused on delivering its policy agenda. During the immediate aftermath of the elections, Starmer rejected calls to resign and pledged to continue leading the government.
The local election results were followed by continued political pressure on Labour. On June 22, Starmer announced he would step down as prime minister after losing confidence within parts of his party following the electoral setback, according to Reuters and other media reports.
The Conservatives also suffered losses, shedding hundreds of councillors, while the Liberal Democrats and Greens expanded their representation in local government. Several councils moved into no overall control, reflecting a more fragmented political landscape.
As of Monday, Reform UK remained the largest winner from the 2026 local elections by net seat gains, while Labour leaders were preparing for a leadership transition following Starmer's resignation announcement. Details of the leadership contest were expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, according to party officials and public statements.
