With 39 of 136 English councils counted by Friday morning, Reform UK had recorded a net gain of more than 300 council seats. By contrast, Labour had lost more than 240 councillors and the Conservatives more than 120. The Liberal Democrats and Greens have also made gains in parts of southern England and urban areas, with more target seats yest to declare.

Reform has performed particularly strongly in parts of the Midlands, North and coastal England, taking or influencing councils including Newcastle-under-Lyme and making major advances in areas such as Tameside, Hartlepool, Basildon and Redditch. In Southampton, Labour has lost overall control, while in Portsmouth, the Lib Dems have secured a majority, winning with 22 seats of 42 seats with Reform taking 12. These areas, which have become recurring bellwethers, underscore continued volatility, particularly in coastal and industrial communities, many of which are closely tied to ports, offshore energy and maritime supply chains.

The results have intensified debate around the shifting electoral landscape in England, with polling experts suggesting the elections may reflect continued fragmentation of the traditional two-party system. Analysts, including Sir John Curtice, said Reform UK currently appears to be benefiting from the first-past-the-post electoral system, it once criticised. At the same time, commentators have pointed to evidence of Labour losing support both to Reform in traditional working-class areas and to the Greens in progressive urban seats.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded publicly to the results this morning, insisting he would remain in office and saying: “I’m not going to walk away.” Senior Labour figures have acknowledged voter frustration over issues including the economy, immigration and public services, while maintaining that local elections are historically difficult for governing parties and are not always a reliable guide to general election outcomes. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy defended the Prime Minister, arguing that “you don’t change the pilot during the flight.” The Prime Minister's leadership position appears increasingly fragile, as political pundits wait to see if the many contenders for his throne will move against him in the days, weeks and months ahead. 

Further declarations are expected throughout Friday afternoon and evening, including key contests in Scotland and Wales, where attention will focus on the performance of Labour, the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. A much larger wave of council and mayoral results is expected from midday onwards, with a clearer national picture likely to emerge later this evening.

Many of the councils experiencing the greatest upheaval are coastal communities; where shifts in political control, or moves to no overall control, may have implications for shipping and ports operations, planning and infrastructure. The final picture in the devolded legislatures of Scotland ans Wales, will also have significant impacts for the sector as they unfold later today.

As the 2026 results continue to unfold, maintaining stability and momentum on maritime priorities will require close engagement across an increasingly diverse and volatile political map. 

For any queries on the outcomes or what they mean for the sector - please contact Harry.