Reform UK has secured outright control of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, a development marking a significant moment for the party in Staffordshire. The results, emerging in the early hours of May 8, 2026, show Reform UK capturing 27 seats, surpassing the 23 needed for a majority. The Conservative Party retained 15 seats, while the Labour Party secured just two. This outcome represents a dramatic reversal from the pre-election landscape, where the Conservatives held 26 seats, Labour had 17, and Reform UK occupied only one seat.
Electoral Shift Details
The election saw a substantial displacement of established parties. Prior to Thursday's vote, the council's composition was:
| Party | Seats Before Election | Seats After Election |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 26 | 15 |
| Labour | 17 | 2 |
| Reform UK | 1 | 27 |
| Other |
Reform UK's surge to majority control in Newcastle-under-Lyme occurred against a backdrop of wider local election results across England, where the Labour Party has experienced considerable losses. Reports indicate Labour has lost upwards of 250 councillors and control of multiple councils. The Green Party, while making some gains elsewhere, lost its sole seat on this particular council.
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Wider Political Context
This local election outcome in Newcastle-under-Lyme is being viewed within a broader context of national political shifts. The performance of Reform UK in securing its first council leadership, alongside Labour's significant setbacks, suggests a reordering of electoral allegiances. The results come as the Prime Minister accepts responsibility for his party's performance, with Labour having lost numerous seats and council majorities. The Labour MP, Jonathan Brash, reportedly saw his wife, Pamela Hargreaves, lose her position as leader of Hartlepool council.
Background Information
Reform UK had previously seen electoral success in the borough, securing its first councillor in a by-election held earlier in the year in the Spital ward. Prior to the current local elections, the council had 44 seats. A by-election on May 2, 2025, saw wins for both the Conservative Party and Reform UK, indicating a growing presence for the latter. At that time, the Conservative Party held 25 seats and Labour held 17. The next full election for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council was scheduled for 2026.
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