Reform have won big across the region, while the Greens and Lib Dems have had good nights too
09:12, 08 May 2026Updated 16:43, 08 May 2026
It was a bad night for Labour across Greater Manchester and around the country(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It has been a bruising night for the Labour Party with hundreds of seats lost across the country. Labour has lost control of nine local authorities across the country so far since voters took to the polls yesterday (May 7) – with more results due to be declared later today (Friday).
Reform UK has been the big winner across the country, with hundreds of councillors, with Labour and the Conservatives losing seats.
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Many corners of Greater Manchester have been deep red for decades – but that picture is beginning to change. Labour has lost 102 seats across the region so far – with Trafford council still to declare later today.
In Bolton, Labour lost control of the council, while leader Nick Peel lost his seat. Labour lost five councillors on the night, while the Conservatives lost four, the independents are down by two and the Lib Dems down by one. Reform gained nine, with the Greens gaining three. There are now 20 Labour councillors, 11 Tories, 10 Reform, five Lib Dems, four Greens and 10 independents.
Reform UK has celebrated big wins in Wigan and other parts of the region(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Labour also lost control of Tameside council for the first time in 47 years, losing 14 councillors on the night. The Conservatives lost two, as did the independents, with Reform gaining 18 seats. There are now 25 Labour members, 19 Reform, eight independents and five Tories.
Oldham council remains in no overall control, but with a more mixed picture as Labour lost eight councillors, the Lib Dems lost three and Conservatives lost two. Reform gained 13 seats, with no change on the independents. There are now 18 Labour councillors, 16 Reform, 16 independents, six Lib Dems and four Conservatives.
The Liberal Democrats gained Stockport council for the first time since 2011, with three additional seats. Labour lost five, while the independents lost one, as there were two gains for Reform and one for the Greens. There are now 33 Lib Dems, 14 Labour councillors, nine independents, four Greens, two for Reform and one Conservative.
Lib Dem celebrations in Stockport(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Labour retains control of Wigan council, but suffered a drubbing at the hands of Reform. The party lost 20 seats, as independents lost two and Conservatives lost one, while Reform gained 23. There are now 42 Labour members, 25 Reform and eight independents.
Salford also remains controlled by Labour, but the party lost 13 seats, while the Conservatives and Lib Dems lost one each. Reform gained three councillors, while the Greens gained three and a new independent was elected. There are now 34 Labour members, 14 Reform, six Conservatives, three Greens, two independents and one Lib Dem.
In Manchester, Labour lost 24 seats, with Green gaining 17 and Reform 7, in the 36 seats being contested. Labour still hold a majority in the town hall with 63 seats.
In Rochdale, Labour lost 12 seats on the council – meaning they now hold a very slim majority with 31 councillors in the 60-seat town hall. Reform made huge gains, winning 13 new seats in the borough.
In Bury, Labour remain the majority party with 30 seats, losing one seat in the 2026 local elections. Reform won three new seats in the borough.