Reform takes control of Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside after decades of Labour leadership

Reform UK made significant gains in the 2026 North East local council elections, taking control of Sunderland City Council after more than 50 years of Labour leadership. The party secured all contested seats in Hartlepool, though no overall control was achieved there. Gateshead and South Tyneside also fell under Reform UK’s control, marking a dramatic shift in the region’s political landscape. Labour’s dominance in the North East was shattered, with the party losing 32 seats across the area. In Newcastle, no party secured a majority, with the Liberal Democrats emerging as the largest group, narrowly ahead of Reform UK and the Greens. Reform UK now holds the main opposition role in North Tyneside, where only a third of seats were up for election. The results reflect a broader trend of declining Labour support in traditional strongholds, while Reform UK capitalizes on voter dissatisfaction. Sunderland’s fall to Reform UK underscores the party’s growing influence in former industrial heartlands. The elections took place on 2 May 2026, with final results announced on 8 May.