Reform UK has gained control of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in a historic night for the party following the local elections on May 7, 2026.
Why it matters: This election marks a major shift in local governance as Reform UK takes power from the Conservatives, signaling changing political dynamics in Staffordshire.
Reform UK won 27 of the 44 contested seats, compared to 15 for the Conservatives and 2 for Labour.
The party needed just 23 seats for a majority, which they exceeded significantly.
Voter turnout was recorded at 47.8%, an increase from 43.01% in the previous election.
Driving the news: The local elections saw 165 candidates vying for positions across 21 wards, with all seats up for grabs.
Ballots were counted overnight at Keele University sports centre, where results revealed Reform's substantial gains.
Former Conservative MPs Jonathan Gullis and Jeremy Lefroy were among those elected as Reform councillors.
Prior to the election, the Conservatives held 26 seats, Labour had 17, and Reform UK just 1.
State of play: The election results indicate a dramatic decline in Conservative support within the borough.
Labour's representation also diminished, dropping from 17 seats to just 2.
Martin Rogerson, the newly elected Reform UK branch chairman, expressed gratitude to voters and pledged immediate action to improve local services.
“We are delighted and humbled that people have placed their trust in us,” Rogerson said.
The big picture: The results in Newcastle-under-Lyme are part of a broader trend observed in the 2026 local elections across the UK.
Reform UK has gained over 210 seats across 37 councils, indicating a surge in support for the party.
Labour has lost over 160 seats, particularly in its traditional northern heartlands, raising questions about its future viability.
Nigel Farage hailed these results as a "historic change in British politics," highlighting the party's potential for future success.
What they're saying: Political leaders are reacting to the implications of these results.
Rogerson emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “I promise that we will get to work straightaway delivering local services.”
Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, noted that voters recognized them as “real people, in the real world.”
Returning officer Stephen Gabriel acknowledged the importance of the election process, thanking all candidates for their commitment.
By the numbers: The election results provide a clear picture of the shifting political climate.
Reform UK increased its representation from 1 seat to 27, marking a historic gain.
The Conservatives fell from 26 to 15 seats, and Labour from 17 to 2.
Turnout of 47.8% reflects growing public engagement compared to 43% in the last election.
What's next: The implications of this election extend beyond immediate governance.
With the upcoming reorganization of local government in Staffordshire, new unitary authorities are expected to take over in 2028.
This means the newly elected councillors may serve only half of their four-year terms, impacting their ability to implement long-term plans.
Rogerson expressed confidence, stating, “We’re getting used to it, so it should be another great win.”
This election reshapes the council's leadership and reflects the changing attitudes of voters in the region, as Reform UK positions itself as a formidable force in British politics.