The Conservatives have comfortably retained control of Bromley Council in the 2026 local elections, defying predictions of a significant Reform UK breakthrough in the South East London borough. Despite YouGov polling suggesting a tight race between the Conservatives and Reform, the Tories emerged victorious, winning 35 seats while Reform secured only six. This outcome marks a failure for Reform to make substantial inroads in Bromley, mirroring their performance in Bexley Council, where they also underperformed. While Reform made gains elsewhere in England, they only managed to take control of Havering Council in London.
Conservative Victory and Leadership Response
The Conservatives added two seats to their majority, extending their control over Bromley Council, which they have held since 2001. Council Leader Colin Smith expressed his delight at the result, stating, 'Reading the media and websites, we were apparently going to lose many seats and lose control of the council. We have proved through hard work and great cooperation with our residents that by sending a strong, positive message about Bromley being London's best borough, we have increased the number of councillors.' Smith thanked all residents, including those who did not vote Conservative, and emphasized that the victory provides 'continuity over what is going to be four incredibly difficult years' due to reduced central Government funding.
Labour Retains Opposition Status Despite Losses
Labour retained their position as the main opposition party in Bromley, although they lost three seats, leaving them with eight councillors, all representing wards in the north-west of the borough. Labour Leader Simon Jeal described the losses as 'disappointing' and a 'shame,' noting that three 'fantastic' councillors were not re-elected. Jeal acknowledged that some residents may have voted Labour to prevent Reform from gaining control, saying, 'We have seen Reform really underperforming in Bromley compared to what many thought was going to be a Reform takeover. So, in many respects, this is not the outcome we hoped for, but it is certainly not the worst outcome we feared.'
Reform UK Reacts to Disappointing Results
Reform UK Bromley Chairman Alan Cook, who lost his seat in Bromley Common & Holwood, expressed disappointment with the results. He stated, 'We will regroup later on and pick through the results and see where it has all gone wrong.' Cook criticized the Conservative vote, suggesting that by voting Conservative, the people of Bromley had chosen 'more managed decline and bankruptcy.' However, Reform UK councillor Christopher Marlow, who retained his seat, remained optimistic about the future. He said, 'Our work over the next four years is to highlight where Bromley Council is not doing things as well as they could and show where we would be prepared to take tougher decisions than the administration. We need to demonstrate that to the electorate in four years' time, and hopefully, we will increase our number of councillors.' Reform now holds six seats on the council.
Liberal Democrats and Independents Make Gains
The Liberal Democrats gained one seat, bringing their total to six councillors. They now have complete control of Beckenham and Bromley Town. Independent group Chislehurst Matters retained their three councillors in Chislehurst, with all three being elected for a second term. The results reflect a mixed outcome across the borough, with the Conservatives maintaining their stronghold while smaller parties and independents hold key positions.
