Starmer admits Labour losses as Reform UK surges to historic local election gains

Published on 8 May 2026

Farage’s Reform UK gains 478 seats while Labour sheds 322

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he “takes responsibility” after Labour suffered major election losses in England’s local councils, where grim opinion-poll forecasts came true. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, surged to 478 seats, while Labour lost 322 across 57 of 136 councils. The result marks Starmer’s toughest test since taking power.

Starmer said he takes responsibility for Labour’s election losses
Reform UK made big gains, reaching 478 seats
Labour lost 322 seats across 57 of 136 councils so far
Results broadly matched pre-election opinion polls

#local elections #labour party #nigel farage #reform uk #uk politics

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Starmer admits Labour losses as Reform UK surges to historic local election gains

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