The 2026 local elections in England are still being counted, but the results so far point to a major political realignment rather than a normal mid-term protest vote
Staff reporter
Reform UK is the big winner of the night. Nigel Farage’s party has made major gains in northern and Midlands councils, especially in former Labour “red wall” areas. Reform has already taken or heavily advanced in places such as Hartlepool, Tamworth, Halton and parts of Greater Manchester.
Labour Party is suffering severe losses despite being in government for less than two years. Labour is losing councillors in many of the areas that helped deliver its 2024 general election victory. Some Labour MPs and local figures are already openly questioning Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Conservative Party is also continuing to weaken, though attention has focused more on Labour’s collapse because Labour was defending far more seats this cycle. Reform appears to be pulling significant numbers of former Conservative voters, especially in outer suburban and rural England.
Liberal Democrats are making quieter but meaningful gains, particularly in southern England and affluent suburban areas. They have reportedly taken control or strengthened positions in councils including Stockport and Richmond-upon-Thames.
Green Party of England and Wales is continuing to grow in urban and younger-voter areas, especially parts of London and university towns like Oxford and Exeter.
In London, early expectations suggest Labour may hold many boroughs but with reduced dominance. Polling before election day showed Labour vulnerable to both Green advances in inner London and Reform advances in some outer boroughs.
Analysts say the elections show the UK moving further away from a traditional two-party system. Instead, England now looks increasingly fragmented into:
Reform-dominated working-class and anti-establishment areas, Labour urban strongholds, Lib Dem suburban/southern territory and expanding green pockets.
One important caveat: counting is still ongoing, with thousands of council seats yet to be declared, so the final national picture may shift through the day.
