Voters across Britain are casting their ballots on May 7, 2026, in a set of local and devolved elections that represent the largest political test since Labour's general election victory in July 2024.
Why it matters: This election is a key indicator of public sentiment toward the current government and could significantly impact future political dynamics.
Almost 25,000 candidates are competing for more than 5,000 seats on 136 councils across England.
Labour is defending approximately 2,500 seats, posing potential risks for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer if losses occur.
Some of the largest cities in England, including the entirety of London, are holding elections, alongside rural districts and county councils.
Driving the news: Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on May 7, with results expected to trickle in starting early on May 8.
The first results are anticipated around 1am, with Broxbourne in Halton expected to declare first.
Final results, including the Croydon mayoral race, are projected for around 4pm on May 9, and Tower Hamlets around 6pm.
Counting rules have changed, meaning results from the Scottish Parliamentary elections won't be available until the evening of May 8.
State of play: The political stakes are high with varying predictions for the parties involved.
Reform UK is fielding about 4,800 candidates, closely trailing Labour and surpassing the Conservatives by about 50 candidates.
Polling suggests Labour may face losses, with Reform UK and the Greens expected to gain ground.
YouGov's final MRP projection estimates the SNP will secure 62 seats in Scotland, short of a majority.
The big picture: These elections mark a shift in the UK's political fabric, potentially moving away from a two-party system.
Smaller parties, including the Greens and Reform UK, are gaining traction, complicating the traditional political narrative.
The Conservative Party, recovering from its 2024 defeat, faces challenges from multiple fronts, especially in Scotland and Wales.
Polling indicates that the Tories may see a dramatic drop in seats, with estimates as low as seven seats in Scotland.
What they're saying: Political leaders are preparing for the outcomes with varying levels of optimism.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for a tough night, acknowledging the potential for substantial seat losses.
Reform UK's leader, Nigel Farage, claims his party is the "only true national party" and anticipates a strong performance.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) seeks to maintain its dominance, with projections showing they may need coalition support to govern effectively.
By the numbers: Here are key figures related to the elections.
Over 25,000 candidates are vying for positions, with Labour defending 2,500 seats, the Conservatives 1,236, and the Liberal Democrats 706.
The Greens are contesting nearly 4,500 seats, with Reform UK close behind at around 4,800.
YouGov estimates Reform UK could win 19 MSP seats, Scottish Greens 16 seats, and Labour 17 MSPs in the Scottish elections.
Between the lines: The absence of exit polls highlights the complexity and unpredictability of these elections.
No authoritative exit poll has been commissioned for the local elections, limiting immediate insight into voter behavior.
Analysts will focus on early results rather than exit polls, which are typically reserved for national elections.
The fragmented nature of local elections makes it challenging to predict overarching trends from individual results.
What's next: As results begin to emerge, attention will shift to the implications for all parties involved.
The first results from local councils are expected to set the tone for the following hours and days.
Political analysts will dissect the results to understand shifts in voter sentiment and party strength.
With counting continuing into May 9 and 10, the full picture of the elections will take time to materialize.