Local elections 2026 - live: Labour's 'tough night' begins with gains for Reform and Green Party

Early results from the 2026 UK local elections show Labour suffering heavy losses, with Reform UK and the Green Party making significant gains. Polling stations closed at 10pm, and initial counts reveal Labour potentially losing up to 1,850 council seats in England, alongside fears of losing control of Wales and slipping to third place in Scotland. Reform UK has already secured over 100 seats nationwide, including gains in Rochford, Staffordshire, and Hartlepool, where the party picked up 12 seats from Labour. In London, Labour’s performance is under scrutiny, with pollster Luke Tryl warning of a potential 20-point deficit in Wandsworth, favoring the Greens. Labour is losing votes to both Reform and the Greens, leaving the party without a clear path forward. The Liberal Democrats gained Stockport council after Labour lost four councillors, while the Tories held Broxbourne in Hertfordshire, where Labour lost three seats. Labour’s struggles extend to Wales, where Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant admitted the party is unlikely to fare well. The party lost control of Redditch Borough Council, its first overall loss in these elections, with Reform UK gaining eight seats. In Hartlepool, Reform UK secured 12 seats, including seven from Labour, while Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged the party’s challenges, stating Labour risks being 'out on our backsides' at the next general election if voters don’t see change. Despite the losses, no party has yet secured a majority in several key councils, including Hartlepool and Redditch. Labour’s Sir Chris Bryant criticized the party for failing to offer enough 'hope' to voters, while Reform UK continues its rise under Nigel Farage’s leadership. The results suggest a tough night for Keir Starmer, with leadership speculation swirling amid the party’s declining support.