Labour has suffered a historic defeat in Wales, losing control of the Senedd for the first time since devolution in 1999 – ending its grip of 27 years. 

Plaid Cymru is now the largest party in the Welsh Parliament, marking a political shift “100 years in the making,” according to leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. 

Reform UK finished second, securing its strongest Welsh result ever. 

Reform UK Dominates English Council Elections

In England, Reform UK is the clear winner of the 2026 local elections. Nigel Farage’s party has picked up more than 1,400 councillors so far, flipping multiple councils from Labour. The surge came at the expense of both major parties — the Conservatives lost almost 500 seats while Labour haemorrhaged more than 1,200 councillors, including historic losses in former strongholds like Tameside, Wigan, and Salford.

Greens and Lib Dems Gain as Two-Party System Fractures

The Green Party and Liberal Democrats also made significant gains across England. The results highlight the ongoing fragmentation of UK politics, with Labour losing votes to Reform on the right and to the Greens on the left.Scotland Results: SNP Holds, Reform Breaks Through

In Scotland, the SNP remains the biggest party at Holyrood after 19 years in power. 

John Swinney said he was “absolutely delighted” with the results

Reform UK also won its first seats in the Scottish Parliament, continuing its UK-wide momentum.Starmer Under Pressure But Defiant

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he’s “not going to walk away” despite the losses, with cabinet ministers publicly rallying around him. Political editor Chris Mason summed it up: “Labour have been thwacked and the prime minister is winded – while Reform, Plaid Cymru and the SNP are jubilant.”

In an X post, Stermer stated, “I want to thank @Eluned_Morgan for the over 30 years of service she has already given to our country and our party. Eluned has been a formidable First Minister and tireless champion for Wales. She broke barriers and has never stopped fighting for families in the communities she loves. Together we have worked to lift children out of poverty, cut hospital waiting lists, and create thousands of new jobs. I have no doubt her contribution to Wales will endure.”

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