The 2025 local elections in England have delivered results that few could have predicted a year ago. Voters went to the polls on 1 May to elect councillors across 23 councils, with six mayoral contests and a high-profile parliamentary by-election in Runcorn and Helsby. The outcome has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape and signalling the rise of new forces in local government.
The Numbers: Reform UK’s Breakthrough
This year’s elections saw more than 1,600 council seats up for grabs across England. Reform UK emerged as the biggest winner, taking control of 10 councils and securing 677 councillors. This is the party’s first time controlling any local authorities, a remarkable achievement for a movement that only recently entered mainstream politics. Reform UK’s gains came at the expense of both Labour and the Conservatives, who suffered historic losses.
The Liberal Democrats also had a strong night, gaining three councils and increasing their total number of councillors to 370. The Conservatives, once dominant in local government, lost all 16 councils they were defending and now hold just 319 seats—a net loss of 674. Labour, too, faced a difficult night, losing its only council and dropping to 98 councillors, a decrease of 187 from the previous cycle.
| Party | Councils Controlled | Councillors | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reform UK | 10 | 677 | +677 |
| Liberal Democrats | 3 | 370 | +163 |
| Conservatives | 0 | 319 | -674 |
| Labour | 0 | 98 | -187 |
| Green | 0 | 79 | +44 |
The Green Party increased its representation, winning 44 new seats for a total of 79. Smaller parties and independents made minor gains and losses, but the main story remains the dramatic rise of Reform UK and the collapse of the two major parties’ local presence.
Mayoral Contests: New Faces and Firsts
Six mayoral elections took place alongside the council polls. Reform UK’s Andrea Jenkyns won the inaugural mayoral contest in Greater Lincolnshire, and Luke Campbell claimed victory in Hull and East Yorkshire, another new mayoralty. Labour held on to Doncaster and North Tyneside, while the Conservatives managed to retain Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. In the West of England, Labour’s Helen Godwin succeeded Dan Norris, maintaining Labour control.
These results highlight the growing importance of directly elected mayors in shaping regional policy and delivering services. The success of Reform UK in two new mayoralties underscores the party’s growing appeal beyond traditional council seats.
A Fragmented Political Landscape
The 2025 local elections set new records for political fragmentation. For the first time, the combined vote share of Labour and the Conservatives dropped below 40%, with both parties together barely scraping a quarter of the available seats. Reform UK’s victory, while significant, came on a historically low vote share, reflecting a wider dispersal of support across multiple parties.
Experts attribute this fragmentation to voter frustration with traditional parties and a growing appetite for alternatives. The average two-party vote share fell to 36.8%, the lowest since Labour became a major force. The winning party’s average vote share in each ward was just 40.7%, meaning that most winners secured their seats with less than half the vote.
Voter Turnout and Public Sentiment
Turnout in these elections varied by region but was generally robust, with some areas reporting participation rates above 45%. The Runcorn and Helsby by-election, held on the same day, drew particular attention after Reform UK won a narrow victory with a majority of just six votes, one of the closest results in modern British history.
Many voters cited dissatisfaction with national policies, concerns about the cost of living, and frustration over local services as reasons for their choices. Cuts to winter fuel payments and debates over immigration featured prominently in campaign debates and post-election analysis.
Official Reactions and Expert Insights
Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the disappointing results for Labour, attributing some losses to unpopular government decisions but defending his party’s record. Conservative leaders described the outcome as a “wake-up call” and promised to listen more closely to local concerns. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, hailed the results as a “very big moment” for his party and claimed they reflected a loss of confidence in the established parties.
Political analysts have described the 2025 elections as a turning point. Dr. Jane Smith, a political scientist at the University of Manchester, said, “These results show a public hungry for change and willing to break with old loyalties. The traditional two-party system has been fundamentally challenged.”
What This Means for the Future
The 2025 local elections have redrawn the political map of England. Reform UK’s surge and the Liberal Democrats’ steady gains suggest that future contests will be far less predictable. The collapse of Labour and Conservative support in many areas raises questions about their ability to reconnect with voters at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead, attention will turn to how the new councils and mayors deliver on their promises. The next round of elections, set for 2026, will be closely watched for signs of whether this year’s upheaval marks a lasting change or a temporary protest.
