This policy briefing outlines the key battlegrounds, party strategies and potential political implications of the 2026 local elections, concluding that the results are likely to signal a shift in voter sentiment and increase pressure on the main parties. England’s local elections on 7 May will see more than 5,000 seats contested across 136 councils, with all 32 London boroughs voting in what is expected to be the central battleground. The elections, largely last fought in 2022, come with no postponements and include six county councils voting for the final time ahead of local government reorganisation, adding further significance to this year’s results. The briefing highlights mounting pressure on both Labour and the Conservatives, who are braced for losses across key regions including the North West, North East and parts of the Midlands. Labour will be defending a strong position in London, where it currently controls 21 boroughs, while also facing local backlash over policies such as low traffic neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, the Conservatives face a particularly difficult test in county councils such as Essex, Norfolk and Hampshire, where long-held majorities could be at risk. Smaller parties are expected to capitalise on shifting voter sentiment, with the Greens targeting gains in Labour-held London boroughs and Reform UK aiming to convert strong polling into seats in both urban and traditionally Conservative areas. Overall, the elections are likely to act as a key barometer of national political mood, with the potential to reshape local power and intensify scrutiny on party leadership depending on the scale of the results.