Local elections 2026 mapped: Full results for every council, Scottish parliament and Welsh Senedd race

Labour suffered a devastating defeat in the 2026 UK local elections, losing control of 18 councils and over 800 seats across England. The party’s support collapsed, with Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan losing her seat in the Senedd and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar acknowledging ‘national dissatisfaction’ as a key factor in the losses. Reform UK emerged as the biggest winner, gaining nearly 800 seats and claiming control of councils including Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sunderland, Essex, and Havering. Labour lost control of Westminster, Sunderland, Blackburn with Darwen, Oxford, Wandsworth, Southampton, Redditch, Hyndburn, Hartlepool, Tamworth, Gateshead, Norwich, Exeter, and Tameside—where Angela Rayner’s local authority fell. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party also made gains, with the Greens winning control of Hackney for the first time and securing seats in Chorley, Salford, and Exeter. Meanwhile, Labour’s internal turmoil deepened as MPs publicly called for Keir Starmer to step down, including Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash and left-wing MP Jon Trickett, who blamed Starmer’s leadership for the losses. Starmer defended his position, acknowledging the tough results but refusing to resign, saying Labour was elected to address voter concerns. However, backbenchers like Ian Lavery warned the party could face extinction under his leadership, while veteran MP John McDonnell urged against a hasty coup. The TSSA union, affiliated with Labour, also demanded Starmer’s resignation, adding to the pressure. Speculation grew that potential challengers like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner could enter the leadership race, as Labour’s future hangs in the balance ahead of the next general election.