Labour has lost control of Redditch Borough Council following the 2026 local elections, as Reform UK experienced a remarkable surge in support.
In a result reflecting a broader national trend, voters flocked to Nigel Farage’s party, delivering a strong message across multiple regions. Reform UK won eight of the nine contested seats in Redditch, leaving the council with no overall controlling party.
With a third of the council’s 27 seats up for election, the previously Labour-controlled authority faced a decisive shift. Reform UK’s strong performance saw them become the council’s second-largest party, holding eight seats.
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Labour managed to hold onto only one seat, with Gary Slim as the sole councillor to retain his position on a night that proved challenging for the party. As a result, Labour now holds 13 seats—just one short of an overall majority.
The Conservatives suffered losses as well, dropping to four seats, while the Green Party lost its only councillor. Two independent councillors remain on the council.
Reform UK’s breakthrough in Redditch is being mirrored in other parts of the country, including local victories in Dudley and Tamworth. These results could signal a shift in the political landscape, posing significant challenges for traditional parties like Labour and the Conservatives in future elections.