Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party is facing a heavy defeat in local elections, as Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK party gains a major advantage nationwide. As of 9 a.m. local time (06:00 GMT), Labour had lost more than 258 seats, while Reform UK had gained 382 seats.
These elections are seen as a crucial test of Mr. Starmer's leadership, as Labour has consistently trailed Reform UK in recent opinion polls. Speaking in West London on Friday morning, Mr. Starmer said: "Days like this do not weaken my resolve to deliver the change I promised. The results are stark, very stark, and cannot be denied." He acknowledged: "We have lost excellent Labour representatives across the country who have given so much to their communities. That is painful, and I take responsibility."
The heaviest Labour losses occurred in former 'Red Wall' strongholds—the industrial heartlands in northern England that have been traditional Labour bastions. Many of Mr. Starmer’s cabinet ministers represent seats in these areas. Reform UK has taken an early lead in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region. In the former mining towns of Wigan and Leigh in northwest England, Reform UK won 24 of the 25 seats. In neighboring Tameside, they ended Labour's 47-year control of the local council.
Reform UK also secured its first council victory of the campaign in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, taking control from the Conservatives. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party—which governed from 2010 to 2024—had a mixed day: gaining seats in London, including Westminster Council, but losing 139 seats nationwide. The Green Party, which had been expected to challenge Labour from the left, added just 23 seats, below expectations despite leader Zack Polanski attracting young voters with his pro-Palestinian stance.
These local elections cover about 5,000 seats across 136 councils in England, including 32 London boroughs. Six mayoral elections were also held in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Watford. Additionally, Scottish voters elected all 129 seats in the Scottish Parliament, while Wales elected 96 seats under proportional representation.
