Reform UK Gains Seats in Local Elections; Labour Loses Council Seats and Loses Power in Wales

Local and regional elections held across England, Scotland and Wales on Thursday delivered a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government, with the party losing 1,000 local council seats across England. Labour was removed from power in Wales after 27 years of control. Reform UK won almost 1,300 seats across England, came second in Wales and made significant gains in Scotland.

Starmer pledged to revive his government and stated he would not walk away and plunge the country into chaos. "The right thing to do is rebuild and show the path forward. That's what I'm going to do in the coming days," he said.

On Saturday, Starmer appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a special envoy on global finance. He also appointed former deputy leader Harriet Harman as an adviser on women and girls. Starmer is scheduled to make a speech on Monday.

The government is scheduled to set out its legislative plans on Wednesday in a speech delivered by King Charles III at the State Opening of Parliament. Reform UK currently holds eight of the 650 seats in Parliament. " In Scotland, the Scottish National Party has governed in Edinburgh since 2007.

The Scottish National Party won another term but fell short of a majority, with Labour and Reform tied in a distant second place. In Wales, Plaid Cymru won the most seats in the Senedd. Plaid Cymru fell short of a majority in the Senedd but will likely form the new government, while Reform UK came second and Labour a distant third.

Outgoing First Minister Eluned Morgan lost her seat. Rhun ap Iorwerth gave a speech on the Senedd steps about Wales' future. The Green Party won hundreds of council seats from Labour in urban centers and university towns.

The Green Party took control of several local authorities. Labour ousted the Conservatives in the 2024 general election. The next national election is due by 2029.