As the nation heads to the polls for a significant round of local elections, anticipation builds over what could prove to be a pivotal moment for Britain’s political landscape. A total of 1,641 council seats across 23 local authorities are being contested, alongside four regional mayoralties, two local mayors, and a parliamentary by-election in Runcorn & Helsby.
Thursday 1 May – 10:00pm
Polling stations close across England. While most counts will commence on Friday morning, early activity begins immediately in a select few areas. Counting is under way for four of the six mayoral contests: Doncaster, Greater Lincolnshire, North Tyneside and West of England. Councils in Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Northumberland and Staffordshire also begin their counts. Of these, only Northumberland is expected to declare all results overnight.
Friday 2 May – 2:00am
Results are expected for North Tyneside and the West of England. In North Tyneside, Labour’s Karen Clark is the frontrunner in this north-east stronghold, though a low turnout could shrink margins. The West of England race remains unpredictable, with Labour, the Lib Dems and Greens all vying for the top spot – a contest made more uncertain by the suspension of outgoing Labour mayor Dan Norris.
3:00am
Attention turns to the Runcorn & Helsby by-election, prompted by the resignation of Labour’s Mike Amesbury. Having secured a commanding majority in 2024, Labour now faces a strong challenge from Reform UK. A tighter race is predicted this time, with Reform eyeing a symbolic upset.
3:30am
The Greater Lincolnshire mayoral result is due. As a newly created position, it’s a straight fight between the Conservatives and Reform. Tory candidate Rob Waltham faces off against former Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns, now standing for Reform.
5:00am
Doncaster declares its mayoral result. Labour’s Ros Jones seeks a fourth term in office, hoping to fend off any late surges from challengers.
7:00am
Northumberland should have all council seats declared. Currently under Conservative minority control, Labour and Reform will look to make inroads. Independent candidates may play a crucial role in determining the final balance.
9:00am
Counting begins in the final two mayoral races: Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and Hull & East Yorkshire. Several councils also commence their counts after a night of rest.
1:00pm
Durham’s council results are expected. Labour is currently the largest party but has been out of power for four years due to a broad opposition coalition. They aim to retake control, though Reform’s presence adds complexity.
1:45pm
Lancashire could see its razor-thin Tory majority evaporate. Labour, Reform and independents are all keen to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction.
2:30pm
Hull & East Yorkshire’s new mayor will be announced. Labour, the Conservatives and Lib Dems have all polled well regionally. Reform’s candidate, Olympic medallist Luke Campbell, adds further intrigue.
3:00pm
Multiple declarations are due, including from Doncaster council – Labour’s only defending council. Buckinghamshire and Leicestershire also report, with the Tories likely to lose ground but potentially remain the largest party. Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s mayoral result is also expected.
4:00pm
The Lib Dems aim to unseat the Tories in Gloucestershire and Hertfordshire. Shropshire could also slip from Conservative hands, though they may retain Staffordshire.
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4:30pm
Derbyshire may witness Labour resurgence, while Reform and the Lib Dems also look to disrupt. The Conservatives’ grip is weakening.
5:00pm
A wave of results from Lincolnshire, North Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire may paint a grim picture for the Conservatives. Reform, Labour and the Lib Dems are all eyeing substantial gains.
6:00pm
Cornwall, Devon, Wiltshire and Cambridgeshire councils deliver late afternoon results. The Lib Dems hope to dismantle remaining Tory strongholds and boost their standing.
7:00pm
The day concludes with declarations from Kent and West Northamptonshire. Both are Tory-held but could see shifts towards Labour, Reform and the Lib Dems. Greens and independents may also play decisive roles.
As results unfold, this election could mark a transformative moment ahead of the next general election – reshaping political momentum across England.
