Reform UK gained over 300 seats [1] during local elections held on May 7, 2026, across England, Wales, and Scotland.
The results serve as a critical test for the government of Sir Keir Starmer (Labour), signaling a shift in voter sentiment across several regions.
In England, where 136 local authorities held votes [6], Reform UK secured more than 1,400 council seats [4]. A significant milestone for the party occurred in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where it took control of its first full council [2].
The Labour Party faced substantial setbacks during the cycle. The party lost control of eight councils [3] and suffered what has been described as a historic loss in Wales [3].
In Scotland, the Scottish National Party (SNP) is currently leading in the parliamentary elections [3]. Counting for the various contests began at 9 a.m. BST on May 7 [5].
The scale of the Reform UK surge suggests a fragmentation of the traditional political landscape. By capturing a full council and increasing its seat count by hundreds, the party has moved from a peripheral force to a localized governing power in specific English districts.
“Reform UK gained over 300 seats”
The 2026 local election results indicate a volatility in the UK's political alignment. Reform UK's ability to secure a full council and over 1,400 seats suggests the party is successfully capturing a segment of the electorate that feels alienated by the mainstream parties. For the Labour government, the loss of eight councils and a historic defeat in Wales may signal a decline in trust or a failure to address regional grievances, potentially complicating Sir Keir Starmer's legislative agenda.
