All articles tagged with #local elections 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces renewed calls to resign after Labour lost about 1,000 local council seats and was ousted from power in Wales, as Reform UK and the Greens gain ground. While some Labour MPs urge a leadership timetable, Starmer vows to stay and rebuild, with a Monday speech and a State Opening address outlining next steps amid a fragmented political landscape ahead of a potential 2029 general election.
BBC’s Elections 2026 live blog reports counting underway across 46 English councils, with Redditch declaring Labour’s majority lost as Reform gains eight seats to Labour’s one (Greens and Conservatives also shedding). Early key ward results in Peterborough show Lib Dem gains amid rising Reform/Green shares, while Havering, Basildon and Chorley register Reform momentum. Labour ministers warn of difficult results, and Wales’ Senedd contest is shaping up as a potential Labour setback. Counting continues across England, with Scotland and Wales counts due Friday.
Millions of voters in England, Scotland and Wales are casting ballots in local elections that will determine about 5,000 council seats and several mayoralties, with polls showing growing support for the Greens and Reform UK and a tougher outlook for Labour amid economic pressures and a related scandal; results are expected overnight.