Labour loses ground as Reform UK surges in British local elections

Britain's ruling Labour Party suffered major losses in local elections, while Reform UK made significant gains, according to final results released on Saturday.



Across around 5,000 council seats in 136 English councils and elections to the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, Labour lost almost 1,500 council seats in England and surrendered control of around 40 local councils, including several traditional strongholds, in the elections on Thursday.



The opposition Conservatives also endured heavy losses, losing more than 500 council seats, winning just over 800.



Reform UK emerged as one of the biggest winners of the elections, gaining more than 1,400 council seats and taking control of 14 local councils, many in traditional Labour or Conservative strongholds. The Liberal Democrats and the Greens also made gains.