For the first time since the Starmer government took office, the British people are voting in local elections. Labour won the national election last year and hopes this time to further strengthen its position, especially in major cities such as Birmingham and Leeds. At the same time, it is the first electoral test for the new prime minister since his party took power from the Conservatives.
The Conservative Party, which long dominated the political landscape, enters these elections under a new leader: Kemi Badenoch. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned after a series of scandals, which plunged his party into crisis. Badenoch is trying to turn the tide, but according to several commentators, the party is in a weak position.
The local elections also provide room for other parties to gain ground. Opinion polls indicate growing dissatisfaction among British voters. Many people, according to these polls, are disappointed in the traditional parties and might now seek alternatives. The Reform UK party, led by former MEP Nigel Farage, is mentioned as a party that could benefit from this.
The reformed version of the anti-EU Reform UK party aims to profile itself as a right-wing, anti-establishment force. According to the British media, this party can especially attract votes from former Conservative voters who no longer feel represented. This trend fits into a broader European pattern where right-wing and nationalist parties are gaining ground.
The Greens are also hoping for a strong turnout in these elections. In some districts, they are directly competing with Reform UK for protest votes from discontented citizens. Successes are expected in places such as Bristol, Norwich, and Brighton. According to The Guardian, the Greens hope to attract voters with local issues like housing and climate policy.
The elections are seen as a test moment for the British party system. Whereas a two-party system dominated by Labour and the Conservatives prevailed for a long time, the Greens, Reform UK, and the Liberal Democrats (LibDems) are now gaining ground as well. Sky News and other media speak of a possible shift toward a system with five relevant parties.
Besides the elections for local councils and mayors, there will also be a vote for a by-election seat in the House of Commons, in the Blackpool South constituency. In total, more than 2,600 council seats are up for grabs, spread over 107 local councils. The elections are widely regarded as an important test for all parties in England on the road to the next national elections.