2026 Local Elections: What Happened in the South Midlands

Buckinghamshire Councils

There were no elections in Buckinghamshire in 2026. Following the significant Conservative losses at the 2025 election, the Conservatives retained a slim majority (52%) and continue to run Buckinghamshire Council. The authority remains under Conservative control ahead of the next elections in 2029.

After the 2026 elections Milton Keynes City saw one of the more significant political shifts in the region. Labour lost 11 seats, falling from 30 councillors to 19, while Reform entered the council with nine seats. Although the council remains under no overall control, the existing Labour–Liberal Democrat coalition has agreed to continue. However, with the Liberal Democrats now the largest party within the administration, they will take over the council leadership.

Northamptonshire Councils

There were no elections in North Northamptonshire in 2026. Reform secured an outright majority at the 2025 elections and continues to control North Northamptonshire Council with 52% of the total number of council seats. The authority remains one of Reform’s strongest local government bases in the Midlands with the next election scheduled in 2029.

Similarly, no elections took place in West Northamptonshire this year. Reform retains the outright majority of 40 seats, with 57% of the total number council seats, it secured in 2025 and continues to run the council. The authority remains firmly under Reform control ahead of the next scheduled election in 2029.

Rugby Borough Council remained under no overall control following the 2026 elections. While Reform gained three seats and both Labour and the Conservatives lost three seats each, the existing Labour and Liberal Democrat administration continues as the two parties still hold a working majority between them.

Nuneaton and Bedworth experienced one of the most dramatic changes in the Midlands following the 2026 elections. Labour lost its majority after losing eight seats, while Reform surged from no representation to 15 councillors. As a result, the council is now run by a minority Reform administration with 40% of the total number of council seats, marking a significant change in political control.

Cambridgeshire Councils

In Cambridge City and following the 2026 elections Labour lost its majority after losing six seats but were able to form a minority Labour administration with 41% of the council seats. The Greens were also major beneficiaries, doubling their seats.

East Cambridgeshire had no elections in 2026 and remains under a minority led Conservative and Independent Group administration with 50% of the total number of council seats. Their next election is scheduled in 2027.

In South Cambridgeshire and following the 2026 elections the Liberal Democrats increased their majority by gaining six seats, while the Conservatives lost six. This reinforced its position as a Liberal Democrat stronghold, with 98% of the total number of council seats.

Huntingdonshire remained under no overall control following the 2026 elections. Reform made substantial gains, winning 10 seats, but the council continues to be run by a coalition of Liberal Democrats, Greens and HDC Independents. The election result may, however, lead to new political alliances over the coming year.

Peterborough City Council also remains under no overall control after the 2026 elections. The existing administration of Labour, Liberal Democrats and Peterborough First continues, although Labour lost seats and Reform increased its representation. The political balance will be interesting to watch ahead of further elections in 2027.

Oxfordshire Councils

Cherwell District Council saw no change in administration following the 2026 elections. The existing coalition of Liberal Democrats, Greens and Independent councillors continues. The Liberal Democrats strengthened their position as the largest group, gaining four seats, while both Labour and the Conservatives lost four seats each. Reform gained six seats and secured representation on the council for the first time.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse both remain firmly under Liberal Democrat control, with no elections taking place in 2026.

West Oxfordshire also saw no change in administration after the 2026 elections. Despite Conservative gains, the existing Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green coalition continues to run the council under no overall control.

Bedfordshire Councils

No elections took place in Bedfordshire during 2026. Bedford Borough Council remains under a Conservative and Independent administration following the 2023 election, while Central Bedfordshire continues to be run by the Independent Alliance. Both authorities remain politically stable ahead of elections in 2027.

Luton Borough Council also elects the whole council every four years, with the next election due in 2027. There were no elections in 2026 and therefore no change in administration. Labour continues to run the council with 58% of the total number of council seats, having retained a majority at the 2023 election.

Back to Local Election Results page, or review South Thames Region council results page, or North Thames Region councils.