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Upcoming UK Elections in Scotland, Wales and England to Test Public Opinion
Elections scheduled for May 2026 in Scotland, Wales, and local councils in parts of England will serve as the first major public opinion test since the 2024 general election. A BBC Radio 5 Live tour across the UK revealed varied voter sentiments and regional differences in party competitions. Outcomes may involve coalitions due to the new voting system in Wales and fragmented results elsewhere.
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Elections in Scotland, Wales, and for local councils in many parts of England are set for next month. These contests represent the largest assessment of public opinion since the 2024 general election. BBC Radio 5 Live's Matt Chorley conducted a tour, speaking with voters in locations including London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Stockport, Gateshead, and Edinburgh.
The tour highlighted regional variations in political competitions.
In Cardiff, polls indicate close races between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK for positions in the Welsh Senedd. A new voting system will elect 96 members across 16 six-member super-constituencies, complicating predictions from traditional polling. Results are expected over several days starting after May 7, 2026.
Birmingham, the Labour Party's hold on the council, Europe's largest by population, faces challenges that vary by area.
Voters discussed topics such as the cost of living, farming, tourism, jobs, transport, and immigration. Immigration policy remains under Westminster control, despite debates in Scotland. Voters showed diverse voting intentions.
In Edinburgh, one voter who supported the SNP for 30 years plans to split votes between the SNP and Reform UK. In Wales, some union supporters intend to vote for Plaid Cymru, which advocates for Welsh independence but has moderated its stance to attract broader support.
Birmingham, voters raised concerns about bin strikes and the council's financial issues.
Post-election scenarios may include coalitions. Similar coalition possibilities exist in large English councils.
Most parties declined deals with Reform UK following last year's elections. Results from different regions will emerge at varying times, potentially delaying a full national picture.
