Britain's Labour Party suffers worst-ever local election result
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 8
Britain's Labour Party suffers worst-ever local election result
25 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 8
The party lost more than half its council seats, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's approval at 20% and net rating at minus 50.
The setback reflects anger over weak growth, high immigration and living costs, while Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and Greens all made gains.
The result fits a wider European backlash against incumbents, as economic strain, political fragmentation and distrust push voters toward anti-establishment and far-right parties.
Reform UK is winning councils, but can it avoid chaos in power?
As Britain's political map is redrawn, is the two-party system finished?
Reform UK's 41% Seat Surge Shatters Labour and Conservative Dominance in 2025 English Local Elections
Overview
The May 2025 local elections in England marked a historic political shift as Reform UK surged to win 677 council seats and secured majorities in ten councils, dramatically weakening both the Conservatives and Labour. The Conservatives lost 677 seats and all their previously held councils, triggering defections to Reform UK and a pledge to rebuild. Labour, reduced to just 98 seats, refocused on economic insecurity and prepared immigration reforms to counter Reform's rise. This fragmentation led to more councils with no overall control, intensifying debates about the First Past the Post system's fairness. Meanwhile, Reform UK’s local governance faced budget shortfalls, policy rollbacks, and internal challenges, shaping a volatile and unpredictable political future.