The first council contests of 2026 have taken place, with Labour on the defence in York and the Lib Dems in Hampshire. Labour's vote plummeted in York, but they were starting from a very strong position in a largely middle class ward. As such, the size of their existing majority gave them a comfortable cushion against challengers from Reform, the Greens and Lib Dems. Despite all the recent media propagation in favour of Polanski and the (non-existent) 'Green surge', the Lib Dems benefited from a much bigger swing from Labour than the Greens did.
Recent controversial Tory defections to Reform did not appear to damage their electoral appeal - judging by this brace, which included an impressive gain from the Lib Dems in Hampshire. Labour finished last here, garnering a pathetic 35 votes.
Bridgemary, Gosport Borough Council
Ref: 604 (42.5%) New
LDm: 575 (40.5%) -8.0%
Con: 207 (14.6%) -23.7%
Lab: 35 (2.5%) -10.8%
Ref GAIN from LDm
Heworth, City of York Council
Lab: 1,096 (36.7%) -27.3%
Ref: 601 (20.1%) New
Grn: 591 (19.8%) +4.4%
LDm: 528 (17.7%) +10.2%
Con: 118 (4.0%) -9.1%
Ind: 49 (1.6%) New
Lab HOLD
I still can't believe that people vote for the Labour party, when they can see the harm they are doing to our country
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