Analysis of Key Wins and Losses in Local Elections across the UK
Conservative Party Set for Worst Local Election Performance in 40 Years
With just over two-thirds of councils yet to declare a result, experts are predicting that the Conservative Party is on track for its worst local election performance in 40 years. So far, 35 out of 107 councils have declared a result, with Labour making gains and the Conservatives facing losses.
In Basildon, Essex, the Conservatives saw a significant decrease in the number of councillors, while Labour and Independents made gains. In Hartlepool, a council that had previously been won by the Tories in a by-election, Labour celebrated a victory by gaining control of the council.
Harlow, another key battleground, saw Labour fall just short of an overall majority, ending up with 16 seats compared to the Tories’ 17. In Nuneaton & Bedworth, Warwickshire, Labour took control of the council for the first time since 2018.
However, not all news was bad for the Conservatives. In Rushmoor, Hampshire, Labour gained seats and a majority on the council, while the Tories lost control. In Redditch, Worcestershire, Labour picked up seats and overall control, while the Conservatives saw a decrease in their tally.
In South Tyneside, Labour suffered losses, with Independent candidates and the Greens making gains. In Sunderland, the Reform Party beat the Conservatives into third place in several seats, while Labour increased its majority.
The Tees Valley mayoral race saw Tory favorite Ben Houchen comfortably retaining the mayoralty, despite Labour gains in the area. In Thurrock, Essex, Labour gained enough seats for a clear majority, taking control from the Tories.
Key mayoral results are still yet to come, with three of the 37 police and crime commissioner results for England and Wales already declared. Labour gained Avon & Somerset and Cumbria from the Conservatives, while the Tories held Lincolnshire.
Overall, the local election results paint a complex picture of gains and losses for both major parties, setting the stage for further political developments in the coming months.
