Election 2026: Stunning Shifts in UK Council Control Revealed

Reform UK Surges, Seizing Over a Dozen Councils

Reform UK has made a dramatic breakthrough, capturing more than a dozen councils including Sunderland, Thurrock, Suffolk, Essex, Havering, and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Their nationwide haul exceeds 1,400 councillors, signaling a significant reshaping of local political landscapes.

However, traditional parties faced challenges as councils like Sandwell in the West Midlands and Barnsley slipped from their grasp, with Reform UK, the Conservatives, and the Greens all making inroads.

Three men in dark suits and light blue ties stand giving the thumbs up. They wear election rosettes identifying them as representing Reform UK and two of them hold folders. They are all white, two are older and one is younger.

Green Party Expands Its Footprint Across England

The Green Party of England and Wales achieved remarkable gains, taking control of prominent councils such as Norwich, Hackney, Waltham Forest, and Hastings. Their surge brought hundreds of new councillors into their ranks, reflecting growing public support for environmental and progressive policies.

Liz Leffman talking to BBC Politics South. She is sitting on a red sofa looking away from the camera. She is wearing a grey sleeveless top

A son, father, daughter and mother smile at the camera. All are wearing orange lanyards which say "candidate". The daughter wears a Green party rosette, whilst the other three wear Liberal Democrat rosettes. The photo has been taken in a sports hall during an election count. — A son, father, daughter and mother smile at the camera. All are wearing orange lanyards which say “candidate”. The daughter wears a Green party rosette, whilst the other three wear Liberal Democrat rosettes. The photo has been taken in a sports hall during an election count.

Liberal Democrats Strengthen Regional Control Amid Mixed Results

The Liberal Democrats significantly increased their councillor count and secured leadership of newly established councils in West Surrey and East Surrey. They also won key councils including Portsmouth and Stockport, although they lost control of Hull.

A woman with blonde hair, sitting in a radio studio. She is wearing a blue jacket and white shirt. There is a brooch on her jacket. The studio is lit in purple, and there is a skyline of Leeds behind her.

Conservative Setbacks Tempered by Westminster Regain

The Conservative Party suffered a loss of over 550 seats and relinquished control of seven councils. Despite these setbacks, they reclaimed control of the strategically important Westminster council in London, maintaining a foothold in the capital.

Four photos of local people, local business owners and charity workers that all live and work in the New Forest.

Massive Scale of Council Elections Across England

Voters decided the fate of more than 5,000 councillor positions across 136 councils on Thursday. The stakes were high, with Labour defending over 2,500 seats, the Conservatives more than 1,300, the Liberal Democrats just under 700, and the Green Party close to 150.