There have been strong indications that Labour could face huge losses today, with some polling suggesting they could lose nearly 2,000 seats. There has also been much talk of Reform making big wins and picking up over 1,000 seats. But what about the lesser-told story of where Labour and other progressive parties could do well in these local elections?
Here are some councils to look out for.Â
Green wins projected in London
In London, the Greens could become the largest party on multiple London councils. In the North and East of the capital, Zack Polanski’s party may take control of Hackney and Haringey, while in the South of the city, the Green Party is projected to potentially take control of Lambeth and Lewisham councils.Â
London is also expected to be largely insulated from Reform, with Nigel Farage’s party only projected to take outright control of Havering Council, which is currently led by Independents. However, Bromley and Bexley are expected to be no overall control, with Reform as the largest party.
London has been a Labour stronghold in recent years, with the party holding majority control in 21 councils. Keir Starmer’s party is predicted to lose 380 council seats and control of 13 councils in the city.
Bradford and Stockport
The Lib Dems are expected to take control of Stockport, from no overall control. They already have 30 seats on the council, and are just two seats short of a majority.Â
Elsewhere in Bradford, the Green Party is predicted to finish ahead of Reform UK and may form a minority Green-led administration.Â
Midlands
In the Midlands, Reform is predicted to snatch lots of seats off Labour, but the Greens are expected to make inroads on Birmingham City Council, picking up around 14 seats, as well as some seats in Solihull.
Labour is expected to maintain control of Wolverhampton and Sandwell, while Tamworth, Cannock and Redditch may go to no overall control, but with Labour as the largest party.
Lib Dem gains in the South
The Lib Dems are projected to pick up around 50 council seats across the South, and will likely take control of West Surrey, which is a new local authority. They are also expected to do well in East Surrey, where they could form a minority administration. Ed Davey’s party is likely to keep hold of South Cambridgeshire, while gaining a few more seats there.
Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward
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