Statement: State of the Locals as polls close

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: 

As the polls close in these local elections, we must take a moment to recognise the vital and demanding work of countless dedicated electoral staff that made today happen. They are the foundation of our democracy. And, at LGIU, we know that their efforts require more than gratitude. They need the necessary resources, support, and respect to continue delivering this essential service under increasing pressure.

While the national implications of these local election results will be debated, we know that these elections are not merely a test of Westminster fortunes. They are a critical pillar of our democracy, determining the local leaders who profoundly shape our daily lives. With national politicians suffering from declining public trust (trusted by only 29%), local politicians are trusted almost twice as much. We know that it is these local institutions that will prove to be the most effective platform for rebuilding trust in our wider political system.

As results emerge in the coming hours and days, at LGIU, we will be looking beyond major shifts in control, such as a potential Green surge in London or Reform gains in traditional Labour areas like Sunderland or South Tyneside. Although control changes attract national headlines, the statutory constraints on local government mean any new administrations’ ability to enact radical change is limited. 

However, changes in policy across areas like planning, arts, net zero, financial management, and community engagement can make places feel very different. Furthermore, if Reform were to gain control of county councils in Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) areas, such as Essex, Norfolk, or Suffolk, it would certainly fuel anxiety about the future of the government’s devolution agenda (as well as local government reorganisation).

Significant, less obvious, issues will also surface. With more parties polling competitively the first-past-the-post system generates unpredictable results. We will see tighter margins, more parties winning seats, and an influx of new, less-experienced councillors. This development could introduce unprecedented complexity for already overstretched senior council officers, even in areas accustomed to coalition politics. The central question may ultimately shift from who governs to how governable some councils are.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Guide to the 2026 Local Elections 

Who runs the No Overall Control (NOC) councils and what does it mean in practice? 

Local Elections 101: your questions, answered

Local government facts & figures 

2026 State of Local Government Finance report with a breakdown of the data by region.

LGIU Briefings – free access for press 

About LGIU