The 2026 local elections in Birmingham have delivered a political upheaval unlike any seen before. The results, now fully declared, reveal a city no longer dominated by the traditional two-party system. Labour has lost its control of the city council, and voters have clearly expressed their frustration.
Just four years ago, Birmingham’s politics were dominated by Labour, which controlled 65 of the 101 council seats. A map of the 2022 election results showed Labour’s stronghold running deep through central and inner-city areas, extending south into communities like Stirchley, Moseley, Brandwood, Kings Heath, Northfield, and Allens Cross. The Conservatives were the second-largest party, holding ground around Sutton Coldfield in the north and spots like Longbridge and Rubery & Rednal in the south. The Liberal Democrats secured 12 seats mainly in Yardley, while the Greens held just 2 seats in Druids Heath and King’s Norton South.
Fast forward to 2026, and the political map looks strikingly different. The vast red expanses of Labour have fractured, with independents and Greens making significant inroads, especially in central Birmingham. Labour’s strongholds in southern districts have largely slipped away to the Greens, who capitalized on residents’ discontent to win seats in Stirchley, Brandwood & Kings Heath, Bournbrook & Selly Park, and beyond. The Greens have surged from 2 councillors in 2022 to 19, claiming victories even in inner-city areas such as Handsworth and Ladywood.
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Labour managed to retain some seats in Gravelly Hill, Heartlands, Handsworth Wood, North Edgbaston, and Soho & Jewellery Quarter. However, their total tally plummeted to just 17 councillors—a massive loss of 48 seats since 2022.
Meanwhile, Reform UK emerged as the council’s largest party, expanding into territory previously held by Labour and the Conservatives. They now hold seats across the southwest, including Northfield, Longbridge & West Heath, King’s Norton North, Weoley & Selly Oak, Allens Cross, Rubery & Rednal, and Bartley Green. They also gained ground in northern wards such as Kingstanding, Oscott, and Perry Common.
The Conservatives saw a small decline but maintained their bastions in Sutton Coldfield wards and Erdington. The Liberal Democrats held steady with 12 councillors, continuing to enjoy voter loyalty in areas like Yardley, Moseley, and Perry Barr. Adding to the diversity, the Workers Party secured its first councillor seat in Glebe Farm and Tile Cross.
The outcome is a vibrant, complex mosaic of political affiliations—a far cry from Labour’s dominant majority four years ago. No single party commands even half the seats needed for a majority, setting the stage for coalition talks. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have already voiced their positions, while Reform UK’s leader, Councillor Jex Parkin, announced that Reform will not attempt to form the administration.
With 51 seats required for a majority, the future of Birmingham’s council rests on whether these varied parties can find common ground to govern effectively.