UK Reform Wins Havering Council, Labour Loses Seats in London

Reform UK wins its first London council in Havering, a major change from previous elections. Labour has lost control in Westminster and Wandsworth.
By Newsroom | Politics, London |

London's local elections for 2026 have seen significant shifts, with Reform UK making notable inroads and Labour experiencing considerable losses in several boroughs. Results, still emerging as of Friday and Saturday, paint a picture of a fluid political landscape across the capital's 32 boroughs.

Reform UK has secured its first-ever London council, triumphing in Havering. This marks a pivotal moment for the party, which has been gaining ground in various local contests. While Labour traditionally holds sway in many London boroughs, the current data suggests a weakening of its grip.

Boroughs like Westminster and Wandsworth have seen Labour lose control. In Westminster, Conservatives have gained seats, taking 32 against Labour's 22. Wandsworth, a former Labour stronghold, also appears to have seen shifts, though precise figures are still being finalised.

Other results indicate:

  • Sutton: Liberal Democrats have maintained their hold, increasing their seat count significantly. They now hold 51 seats, with Reform UK, Labour, and an independent candidate also securing representation.

  • Bexley: Conservatives have held onto control, though with a reduced number of seats. Reform UK has made gains here, with Labour also losing councillors.

  • Merton: Labour has held its ground, securing 32 seats, with the Liberal Democrats also increasing their presence.

  • Ealing: Labour has held, but with a considerable loss of seats. The Green Party has seen a substantial increase in Ealing.

  • Hounslow: Labour has held, but also with significant seat losses. Reform UK has made strong gains here.

  • Barking & Dagenham: Labour has held, but with substantial seat losses, while the Green Party and Reform UK have seen gains.

  • Islington: Labour has held, but with a notable decrease in seats. The Green Party has made very significant gains in this borough.

  • Kensington and Chelsea: Conservatives are leading, with Labour and Liberal Democrats also gaining seats.

These elections, encompassing all 32 London boroughs, represent the largest set of local elections in England in three years. They serve as a critical barometer for the performance of all major political parties ahead of future electoral contests. Final results from councils including Croydon, Tower Hamlets, and Lewisham are expected on Saturday.

Read More: Josh Tapper Labour candidate for Hertsmere election 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the main results from the London local elections 2026?
Reform UK has won the Havering council, its first in London. Labour has lost control in Westminster and Wandsworth. Many boroughs like Ealing, Hounslow, Barking & Dagenham, and Islington saw Labour lose seats, while the Green Party gained in Ealing, Barking & Dagenham, and Islington.
Q: Which parties gained seats in London local elections 2026?
Reform UK made gains in Havering, Bexley, and Hounslow. The Liberal Democrats increased their seats in Sutton. The Green Party saw significant gains in Ealing, Barking & Dagenham, and Islington. Conservatives gained seats in Westminster and are leading in Kensington and Chelsea.
Q: Which London boroughs saw Labour lose control in the 2026 local elections?
Labour has lost control in Westminster and Wandsworth. They also lost seats in Ealing, Hounslow, Barking & Dagenham, and Islington, though they may still hold overall control in some of these.
Q: Why are the London local elections 2026 important?
These elections cover all 32 London boroughs, making them the biggest local elections in England in three years. They show how people feel about the main political parties before future national elections.