Early results from local elections in England have shown major gains for Reform UK and losses for the governing Labour Party, with vote counting still underway across much of the country.
Labour has so far lost control of 8 councils, while Reform UK has gained more than 300 seats, signalling growing fragmentation in British politics as support spreads across multiple parties.
Elections were held on Thursday across England, Scotland and Wales, although results in Scotland and Wales are yet to be declared.
BBC political editor Chris Mason said the early results already showed “the much talked about fracturing of our politics”, with votes “splintering in five or more directions”.
In Scotland and Wales, parliamentary contests were held with all seats up for grabs. Counting in both countries is expected to begin later.
Labour is also expected to suffer losses in Wales, according to multiple party sources quoted by BBC Wales, potentially ending the party’s 27-year rule in the country.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
