Reform Leads Local Elections in England as Labour Loses Seats to Them

Results from local elections in parts of England show Reform ahead with the most votes, as in last year's local contests. Labour trails along with the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Green Party of England and Wales. No runaway leader has emerged, with votes splitting across five or more parties.

Reform claims substantial gains, taking about a third of seats declared so far. Labour has lost just under half of the seats it defended, the largest number in these elections.

Party spokespeople are already spinning the numbers. Labour argues that midterm elections challenge governments and do not predict general election outcomes. Records from 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2021 show the governing party did not lose seats in those years, but Labour is suffering major setbacks now.

The psychological impact on Labour will matter in coming days. In Tameside, Greater Manchester—the area once represented by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner—Labour defended 17 seats and lost 16 to Reform. In nearby Wigan, home to cabinet minister and MP Lisa Nandy, Labour lost all 22 defended seats to Reform.

Reform has gained many councillors but few councils so far. Most councils declaring results had only a third of seats up, limiting potential shifts. Reform holds about a third of votes cast, while rivals manage teens percentages.

Labour has lost control of several councils, but they have gone to no overall control rather than to another party. Examples include Redditch, Hartlepool, Tamworth, Exeter, Tameside, Southampton and Wandsworth.

The Green Party of England and Wales shows solid results. Liberal Democrats make small gains and took control of Stockport and Portsmouth councils. Conservatives continue to lose ground, a tough spot for the opposition two years after the general election.