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UK Local Elections Hand Reform UK a Surge as Labour and Conservatives Suffer Heavy Losses

The results point to a shift toward multi‑party politics.

Overview

  • Reform UK, following Thursday's elections across 136 English councils, holds about 1,400 seats on BBC counts while Labour is near 1,000 and the Conservatives about 800.
  • Prime Minister Rishi Starmer said he will remain in office after the losses, a stance that could face growing pressure inside Labour.
  • In Wales, Plaid Cymru won 43 seats to become the largest party as Labour fell to nine, while in Scotland the SNP kept the most seats with 58.
  • The Green Party won its first local mayoralties and secured council majorities in two London boroughs, a first for the party nationwide.
  • Voters frustrated by high living costs, weak growth, and immigration concerns shifted support, which could reshape local services and national debates over the economy and borders.