The 2026 local elections in Barnet have resulted in a hung council, with Labour losing its overall majority after nine seats swung to the Conservatives. The final tally shows Labour and the Conservatives each winning 31 seats, while the Green Party secured one seat. No single party now holds a majority in the 63-seat council.
Record Number of Candidates
This year's election saw a record 312 candidates contesting 63 seats across the borough's 24 wards, compared to 207 candidates in 2022. Each ward is represented by either two or three councillors. Before the May 7 poll, Labour held 40 seats, the Conservatives 19, with one Reform UK councillor, one Green Party councillor, and two vacancies.
Key Results
- Labour: 31 seats (loss of 9, losing majority)
- Conservatives: 31 seats (gain of 12)
- Green Party: 1 seat (no change)
Official Reactions
Cath Shaw, Barnet Council's Returning Officer and Chief Executive, thanked election staff and congratulated successful candidates. A council spokesperson stated: "Over the coming days, those elected will discuss how the council will be governed. In the meantime, residents will continue to receive Council services as usual." The formal governance structure will be confirmed at the council's Annual Meeting on May 19, where key roles will be appointed.
Wards Contested
Seats were up for election in all 24 wards: Barnet Vale, Brunswick Park, Burnt Oak, Childs Hill, Colindale North, Colindale South, Cricklewood, East Barnet, East Finchley, Edgware, Edgwarebury, Finchley Church End, Friern Barnet, Garden Suburb, Golders Green, Hendon, High Barnet, Mill Hill, Totteridge Woodside, Underhill, West Finchley, West Hendon, Whetstone, and Woodhouse.
Full results for each ward are available for review.
