Labour suffered significant losses in the English local elections as Reform UK made substantial gains, revealing the scale of the electoral challenge facing the party. Early results showed Labour losing councillors in traditional northern heartlands, with Reform taking control of its first council in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Reform UK's Historic Gains
Reform UK won every single seat in Hartlepool, pushing Labour into opposition. Nigel Farage described the results as a 'historic change in British politics', noting 'stunning percentages' in traditional Labour areas. Political scientist Sir John Curtice indicated Reform was winning the most votes but likely below 30%, reflecting a fractured political landscape.
Labour's Bleak Night
Labour lost seats in Chorley, Wigan, Redditch, and Tamworth. In Halton, Reform gained 15 councillors, though Labour retained control. Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash called for Starmer's resignation, saying 'we need change at the top'. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell agreed a leadership change must be 'on the agenda' if results prove a 'nightmare'.
Other Parties' Performance
The Liberal Democrats celebrated 'stonking results', taking control in Stockport and Portsmouth. Deputy leader Daisy Cooper highlighted a 'record-breaking winning streak'. The Greens were optimistic about taking Hackney council but struggled to convert votes into seats. Conservatives regained Westminster city council from Labour.
Turnout was 31.5%, slightly higher than 2024. Labour was expected to lose up to 1,850 councillors overall, with senior figures describing the contest as 'tough'. Curtice suggested Labour might lose fewer than 1,500 seats, potentially avoiding a tipping point for Starmer's leadership.
