Labour has lost control of Brent Council after falling short of an overall majority in the 2026 elections, losing 17 councillors compared to the 2022 results. Gains made by the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, and Greens have left the local authority under no overall control.
Election Results Overview
In the North West London borough, Labour secured 24 of the 57 available seats, five short of an overall majority, with three seats still to be declared at the time of writing. The Wembley Hill ward is undergoing a second recount due to extremely tight results.
The Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, and Green Party have won 11, 10, and nine seats respectively, though these numbers could change after the final ward is announced. Reform UK failed to secure any seats despite fielding a full slate of candidates.
Reactions from Party Leaders
Speaking after the election, Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of the Labour Group, described it as a "difficult day." He said: "We have lost some really good people who have been working in the council supporting our residents." He added that Labour would hold conversations to determine the way forward.
Former Brent Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Anton Georgiou, re-elected in Alperton, expressed delight: "I am absolutely ecstatic about the results. The Liberal Democrats have made significant gains across the borough. We will make sure we exert our influence over the next four years to get the best results for residents."
Historical Context
Labour had held Brent Council since 2010, with the Conservatives previously forming the official opposition. Over the past 60 years, the council has mostly been under Labour or no overall control, with the Conservatives holding power only once between 1968 and 1971.
Polls had predicted Labour would retain control despite a national decline in support and the rise of multi-party politics. In the 2022 elections, Labour won 41 seats, the Conservatives five, and the Liberal Democrats three. Since then, defections from Labour boosted the Greens to five councillors, while two became independents and one became London's only Your Party councillor.
Key Ward Results
Notable outcomes included the Liberal Democrats winning all three seats in Queens Park, unseating Cabinet Member Neil Nerva. Deputy Leader Mili Patel and Deputy Mayor Narinder Singh Bajwa also lost their seats. The Greens elected councillors for the first time, led by former Labour defector Cllr Mary Mitchell.
The lack of a majority means Labour must seek agreements with other groups to pass non-statutory policies.
