Voters across several county councils and unitary authorities in England will head to the polls on 1 May, as the Conservative Party launches its local election campaign under the slogan “Lower Taxes, Better Services.”
Party leader Kemi Badenoch will officially launch the campaign on Thursday, setting the stage for a key political contest against Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK. This election will be the first major electoral test since last July’s general election and will serve as a crucial measure of public support ahead of the next national vote.
Speaking ahead of the launch in the South East of England, Mrs Badenoch reaffirmed her party’s commitment to lowering taxes, improving public services, and being a strong voice for local communities.
“The conservatives will be your voice”
Outlining the Tory platform, Mrs Badenoch positioned her party as the only true choice for families, rural communities, and local businesses.
“The Conservatives are the only party that stands up for families, for rural communities, and for local businesses,” she said.
“Labour pander to the unions, the Lib Dems waste your taxes, and Reform have no experience running anything.
“The Conservatives will be your voice in your local community, delivering value for money, lower taxes, and better services – so vote Conservative on 1 May.”
Her comments highlight the Tories’ strategy of contrasting their governing experience with what they describe as the inexperience or inefficiency of their opponents.
Election delays in nine areas
While voters across many regions will participate in the May 1 elections, some local elections have been postponed until 2026 due to a reorganisation of local government in England.
In February, it was announced that elections in East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Thurrock, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Surrey would be delayed by one year following the publication of a Government white paper in December, which abolished two-tier council areas.
Conservatives make their case to voters
With polls suggesting a tough battle ahead, the Conservative Party is keen to reassure voters that they remain the best option for local governance.
Nigel Huddleston, the Conservative Party co-chairman, echoed Badenoch’s message, urging people to back the Tories for efficient and effective councils.
“If you don’t vote Conservative in May, you risk:
- Labour, who will break their promises.
- The Liberal Democrats, who will harm your public services.
- Reform, who have no experience running local services.
- The Greens, who will run your local services into the ground.”
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“A vote for the Conservatives is a vote for a strong voice locally and nationally, with a proven track record of delivering lower taxes and better services,” he added.
The Tory campaign appears focused on portraying Labour as untrustworthy, the Lib Dems as wasteful, Reform as inexperienced, and the Greens as reckless—all in a bid to consolidate right-leaning and centre-right voters.
A key test for the conservatives
This local election campaign is a significant moment for the Conservatives, who have faced political headwinds following last year’s general election. The party is aiming to retain control of key councils while also defending against potential losses to Labour and the Liberal Democrats in critical battleground areas.
The results will likely be seen as a barometer of public confidence in the Conservatives’ leadership under Badenoch and could influence the party’s future direction heading into the next general election.
As the campaign officially launches, all eyes will be on whether the Tories’ message of lower taxes and better services resonates with voters—or if Labour and other opposition parties can gain ground.
