Voters across England will head to the polls on 1 May 2025 in what is set to be the first major electoral test since Labour’s general election victory last year. A total of 1,641 council seats are up for grabs in 23 local authorities, while six mayoral contests – four regional and two local – are also taking place.
This year’s local elections are particularly significant for the Conservatives, who are defending the lion’s share of seats – many last contested in May 2021, when the party was riding high off the back of the Covid vaccine rollout under Boris Johnson’s leadership. Now, with public opinion shifting and Labour gaining ground nationally, the Tories face an uphill battle to retain control in several councils.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key contests to watch and when to expect the results.
Council highlights:
Buckinghamshire (3pm)
A long-time Conservative stronghold, Buckinghamshire is seeing its council size reduced due to boundary changes – from 147 to 97 seats. While the Tories are certain to lose seats numerically, they’re still expected to remain the dominant force.
Cambridgeshire (6pm)
The Liberal Democrats are the largest party but run the council in coalition with Labour and independents. They aim to secure outright control this time.
Cornwall (6pm)
Previously a Conservative majority, defections have left the Tories in minority control. Independents and Lib Dems may benefit from the fragmented political landscape.
Derbyshire (4.30pm)
Labour has been on the rise here recently and will aim to unseat the Tories, who have run the council since 2017. Reform and Lib Dems could complicate the outcome.
Doncaster (3pm)
Labour is defending one of its few council strongholds here. Reform UK is targeting Doncaster heavily – seen as a bellwether for Labour’s support in its northern heartlands.
Durham (1pm)
Once a Labour bastion for nearly a century, Durham is now governed by a multi-party coalition. With the number of seats cut to 98, Labour hopes to regain control, though Reform is mounting a strong challenge.
Hertfordshire (4pm)
Conservatives have a narrow majority and face a serious challenge from the Liberal Democrats, who are gaining momentum in the Home Counties.
Kent (7pm)
The Tories have a healthy majority here, but face threats from multiple fronts – including Reform, Lib Dems, Labour and independents – making the race unpredictable.
Northumberland (7am)
Currently under no overall control, the council remains volatile. The Conservatives run a minority administration and face pressure from Labour, Reform, and independents.
Warwickshire (5pm)
A traditional Conservative area but one where Lib Dems are emerging as serious contenders, boosted by their general election performance.
Mayoral races:
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough (3pm)
With Labour incumbent Nik Johnson not seeking re-election, this mayoralty is wide open. The Conservatives will try to retake the post, while Lib Dems are pushing hard, having polled well recently.
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Doncaster (5am)
Labour’s Ros Jones seeks a fourth term. While she won comfortably in 2021, a crowded field of candidates could tighten the race.
Greater Lincolnshire (3.30pm)
One of the four new regional mayoralties created to devolve power further. The Conservatives are optimistic, but Labour and Reform are likely to mount strong challenges in this key area.
Other key councils to watch:
- Lancashire: Tory control at risk with Labour and Reform snapping at their heels.
- Nottinghamshire: One of the toughest battlegrounds for Conservatives – their narrow majority is under serious threat.
- Oxfordshire & Gloucestershire: Lib Dems and other progressive alliances hoping to unseat entrenched Conservative administrations.
- Shropshire, Staffordshire & Worcestershire: Blue-leaning counties, but smaller parties may erode Conservative dominance.
By-election spotlight: Runcorn & Helsby
In addition to council and mayoral contests, a parliamentary by-election will take place in Runcorn & Helsby. The vote will offer a snapshot of the national political mood and could serve as a barometer for Labour’s popularity post-general election.
With so many pivotal seats up for grabs and the political landscape more volatile than ever, the 2025 local elections promise to be a fascinating test for all major parties. Results will start to emerge from the early hours of Friday, 2 May, offering the first real insight into whether Labour’s general election momentum will carry over into local government – or whether the Conservatives can mount a meaningful fightback.
