England Local Elections Decide 5,000+ Council Seats

Voters across England head to the polls on Thursday, May 7, in local elections that will decide more than 5,000 council seats across 136 authorities, marking the first major electoral test for political parties since Labour's victory in the July 2024 general election.

Nearly 25,000 candidates are competing, including around 4,900 from Labour, 4,800 from Reform UK, 4,750 from the Conservatives, 4,500 from the Green Party, and just under 4,000 from the Liberal Democrats. More than 2,000 others represent minor parties, independents, or residents' groups. Labour is defending 2,300 seats, the largest share, followed by the Conservatives with 1,236, the Liberal Democrats with 706, the Greens with 194, and Reform UK with 83, many gained through recent by-elections or defections.

The elections come amid economic pressures and public dissatisfaction with the national government. Polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with results beginning to emerge shortly after polls close and continuing through Friday, May 8, and into Saturday, May 9. Declarations vary by council; for instance, Birmingham expects results around 6 p.m. on Friday, while Bradford's are slated for 4 p.m. on...