All top stories · This edition

Reform UK Gains Reshape UK Right; Labour Suffers Local Election Losses

May 9, 2026

Summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party suffered significant losses in the U.K. local elections, losing over a thousand municipal seats and control of 25 English councils. The right-wing populist Reform UK party made major gains, indicating a potential political realignment.

How coverage differs

Left outlets emphasize Labour's historic defeat and broader political shifts, while right outlets focus on Reform UK's significant victories reshaping the UK's conservative landscape.

  • Left: Labour's timidity fuels right-wing surge and voter disappointment Left-leaning outlets emphasize the 'stark' and 'historic defeat' for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party, highlighting their loss of over a thousand municipal seats and 25 English councils. They also note the surge of Reform UK and gains by the Green Party, indicating a broader shift in the political landscape.
  • Center: Local elections reshape UK right, challenging Labour's dominance Center outlets report on the U.K. local election results, noting Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party suffered losses while Reform UK achieved wins. They mention Starmer's statement that he will not quit following the outcomes.
  • Right: Voters reject establishment, fueling right-wing realignment in UK Right-leaning outlets focus on the significant victories achieved by Reform UK in the British local elections, portraying these gains as a major reshaping of the UK's right-wing political landscape. They highlight how Reform UK's success challenges traditional party structures and signals a new direction for conservative voters.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Starmer’s Party Suffers Stark Losses in U.K. Local Elections
  • Labour suffers historic defeat in Wales as Reform surges in English council elections and Greens make gains – as it happened

Center

  • Starmer says he won't quit after local elections deliver losses for Labour and wins for Reform UK - AP News

Right

  • Reform Wins Big in British Local Elections, Reshaping the U.K. Right

More from this edition

  • US and Iran trade strikes amid ceasefire talks; oil prices rise
  • US military strikes drug boats, kills 2 in Eastern Pacific
  • Trump announces 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, 2,000-prisoner swap
  • Norovirus outbreak sickens 115 on Caribbean Princess cruise ship
  • Pentagon releases UFO files, detailing ‘bright lights' and ‘hot orbs'
  • Virginia Supreme Court strikes down Democratic map, handing Republicans a win
  • Trump administration appeals trade court ruling on tariffs
  • Judge allows cameras in Tyler Robinson's murder trial for Charlie Kirk