The local elections in England on 1st May 2025 saw both Labour and the Conservatives face disappointing nights, with councils changing hands and an indication from the electorate that traditional party loyalties could be shifting. For our sector, these changes could influence policy decisions at a local level – from infrastructure development to planning regulation.
The Runcorn and Helsby by-election underscored the shifting political mood, as Reform UK overturned a 14,696 Labour majority from the 2024 General Election, winning by just six votes. Although wins in the West of England Combined Authority, Doncaster, and North Tyneside mayoral races were welcome news for the government, Labour lost 187 council seats in total, ending the night with 98 councillors.
The Conservatives, who had anticipated a difficult night, lost control of every council they were defending, with their vote share squeezed by both Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats. By close of play, the Conservatives had lost over two thirds (674) of their councillors, leaving them with 319.
Reform UK was the breakout story of the night. While they did not control any councils before these elections, Reform made unprecedented gains across England, winning 677 council seats and taking control of ten local authorities. Eight were taken from the Conservatives, one from Labour and one which had previously had no overall control. The party also won mayoral races in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire, while narrowly missing out in North Tyneside and Doncaster by 444 and 698 votes respectively.
The Liberal Democrats also had a strong showing, seizing control of Shropshire Council from the Conservatives and winning a majority from both Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire County Councils. Their gains point to a shift in focus toward sustainability, local development, and more community-led planning frameworks – themes that could directly affect warehousing site approvals and transport links.
These results suggest a shift away from the two main parties, with voters voicing dissatisfaction over recent national policies – including cuts to winter fuel payments, planned reforms to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and the rise in employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%, which has caused concern among businesses.
However, it is worth noting that both local and by-elections have historically been used by voters to register protest rather than to indicate long-term political realignment, and we will have to wait and see if these trends carry through to the next General Election. Labour and Conservative messaging will give an indication of how concerned they are – do not be surprised to see both parties lean into policy areas occupied by the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK in the wake of these results.
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