Britons Vote In Local And Devolved Elections As Starmer Faces Test
Local, mayoral and devolved elections across England, Scotland and Wales could reshape councils and pose a major test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the 2024 general election.
Hot AirEd Miliband for PM!
Washington ExaminerStarmer fears Reform UK, Green Party gains in British election blitz
Washington TimesBritish voters have spoken in local elections seen as a verdict on Keir Starmer’s leadership
The GuardianPolls close in elections across England, Scotland and Wales
Overview
Polls closed across England, Scotland and Wales for local, mayoral and devolved elections, with first results due within hours.
More than 30 million people were eligible to vote in what is described as the biggest test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer since the 2024 general election.
Polls and analysts predicted strong gains for Reform UK and the Green party at the expense of Labour and the Conservatives, while the Liberal Democrats aimed to increase councillor numbers for an unprecedented eighth set of local elections in a row.
The contests cover 136 English councils with about 5,014 seats contested, and Labour is defending roughly 2,500 seats and faces estimates of losing roughly 1,597 to more than 1,800 seats, pollsters said.
Counting begins overnight with first results at about 12.30am, broader returns from 3am and many councils due to declare by 7am on Friday, and mayoral counts will start on Friday with Hackney and Newham expected at 1pm.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the local elections as a referendum on Starmer's competence and vulnerability, using loaded terms (e.g., 'referendum on leadership', 'flip-flopped', 'alienated his base') and stressing economic woes and surging populists. They emphasize polls and leadership risk while giving limited space to Labour defenses or policy achievements.