Overview
- National polls as of April 20 place Reform at 25%, Labour at 23%, and Conservatives at 21%, reflecting a shift in public support since late 2024.
- The May 1 elections will decide 1,641 council seats, six mayoral contests, and a parliamentary by-election in Runcorn & Helsby.
- The Runcorn & Helsby by-election, triggered by Labour MP Mike Amesbury’s resignation, is expected to be highly competitive, with Reform aiming for a potential upset.
- These elections mark the first major electoral test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch since assuming their roles.
- Vote counting begins at 10 pm on May 1, with key overnight results anticipated from Runcorn & Helsby, four mayoral races, and Northumberland council.