Preliminary turnout at the local elections in the UK has been observed, and it has resulted in a significant political shift as Reform UK has taken many seats from the Conservatives and Labour in England.
On Thursday, voters headed to the polls in what is the largest electoral challenge faced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer since Labour’s general election win in 2024. In addition to the elections held in Scotland and Wales, there were over 5000 councillor seats up for grabs in England.
Labour looked to be taking a battering in North and Midlands traditional seats as the count was still underway on Friday morning. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK came out on top on the night, with strong results in Labour-led councils.
Early estimates suggest Reform UK could win approximately 1,580 council seats across the country, far in excess of its expectations and marking a significant change in Britain’s political make-up.
Perhaps the most surprising was Reform’s victory in all 12 contested seats in Hartlepool, removing Labour from council power. It also had a significant boost in the areas that had traditionally been thought of as Labour strongholds: in Halton, Tamworth, Wigan and Tameside.
Labour also saw several council wins with Liberal Democrats and Greens making gains in specific university and urban wards. Labour lost its majority in Exeter, and the Green Party saw a lot of growth in representation.
The outcome was driven by increasing discontent over high living costs, public services, and disapproval of the two established big political parties, political analysts said. The elections also exposed the current state of fragmentation in UK politics, as smaller parties have also started to build momentum across the country.
With the defeat mounting, the performance has increased demands on Starmer from within the Labour movement, and some have spoken out against the party leadership following their debacle. There was rumbling behind the scenes as councillors and MPs sought a more defined approach to beat Reform UK as it surged.
The Conservatives also saw a setback in certain areas, with the loss of votes to Reform and the Liberal Democrats. Polling experts cautioned that the findings might change the plan of action for all the main political parties at the upcoming general elections.
Counting is ongoing throughout England, Scotland and Wales, with many significant announcements anticipated later Friday and through Saturday. The overall outcome is likely to give a better idea of the changing political landscape in Britain ahead of the next general election.