Major test for Labour as polls open in English, Scottish and Welsh elections
Local, mayoral and parliamentary contests could upend political landscape as Reform, Greens and Lib Dems surge
TL;DR
- Polling is open in England, Scotland, and Wales for local, mayoral, and parliamentary contests.
- These elections are the biggest electoral test for Keir Starmer since the 2024 general election.
- Results could fundamentally change the national political landscape in Scotland and Wales and across local authorities in England.
- The elections cover Scottish and Welsh parliaments and 136 local councils in England, along with six mayoral contests.
- The results are closely watched in the context of a growing multiparty system and the increasing popularity of smaller parties.
- Past local election results show Labour at 34%, Conservatives at 26%, Liberal Democrats at 19%, Greens at 5%, and Reform at 5% in England.
- The Scottish Parliament election in 2021 saw the SNP win 64 seats, Scottish Conservatives 31, Scottish Labour 22, Scottish Greens 8, and Scottish Liberal Democrats 4.
- Welsh voters will elect 96 representatives using a new proportional voting system.
- Polling stations are open from 7 am to 10 pm, with results expected to be announced starting late Thursday night and continuing through Friday and Saturday.