Josh Weiner
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, voters across England are heading to the polls for pivotal local elections that could reshape the political landscape. With over 1,600 council seats, six mayoral positions, and a parliamentary by-election up for grabs, the outcomes will serve as a crucial barometer for national sentiment following last year’s general election.
🗳️ Where Are Elections Taking Place?
Approximately 13.7 million people are eligible to vote in today’s elections, which encompass:
- 23 local authorities, including 14 county councils and eight unitary authorities.
- Six directly elected mayors, notably in Greater Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, and Doncaster.
- A parliamentary by-election in Runcorn & Helsby, following the conviction of the former MP.
Notably, elections in nine regions—including Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex—have been postponed until 2026 due to government-led devolution restructuring efforts.
🕒 Voting Logistics
Polling stations are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Voters are required to present valid photo identification or apply for a voter authority certificate to cast their ballots.
🔥 Political Stakes and Key Contests
These elections mark the first significant political test since Labour’s return to power in the 2024 general election. The results are anticipated to reflect public sentiment on the current government’s performance and the evolving dynamics among major parties.
- Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is aiming to capitalize on growing dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. The party is contesting nearly all council seats and mayoral elections, with projections suggesting potential gains of up to 450 seats.
- In Doncaster, a traditional Labour stronghold, Reform UK is mounting a significant challenge, focusing on local issues such as the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and economic regeneration.
- The Runcorn & Helsby by-election is being closely watched, with Reform UK favored to secure its first parliamentary seat, posing a potential setback for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
📊 Voter Sentiment and Turnout
Recent polls indicate a competitive landscape:
- A YouGov poll shows Reform UK leading with 26%, followed by Labour at 23%, Conservatives at 25%, Liberal Democrats at 17%, and Greens at 8%.
Turnout for local elections typically ranges between 30-40%, significantly lower than general elections, which average around 66%.
📅 When Will Results Be Announced?
Initial results are expected to begin emerging late Thursday night, with the majority of outcomes revealed by Friday evening. The national equivalent vote share, providing an estimate of overall party performance, will be calculated and released on Saturday.
