What Is 2019 United Kingdom local elections

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 United Kingdom local elections were held on May 2, 2019, involving 248 of 343 local councils in England, with the Conservative Party losing over 1,300 council seats and Labour also suffering losses, while the Liberal Democrats gained ground.

Key Facts

Elections took place on May 2, 2019, across 248 councils in England.
The Conservative Party lost more than 1,330 council seats.
Labour lost approximately 82 seats despite being the main opposition.
The Liberal Democrats gained over 700 seats, becoming the largest opposition party in local government.
Turnout averaged 34%, with some areas exceeding 40%.

Overview

The 2019 United Kingdom local elections were a significant moment in British political dynamics, held on May 2, 2019. These elections involved 248 of the 343 local councils in England, with no local elections in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland that year.

Conducted amidst ongoing Brexit debates and political realignment, the results reflected voter dissatisfaction with the two major parties. The outcomes signaled a shift in local power structures, with smaller parties gaining influence and traditional strongholds weakening.

Over 8,000 council seats were contested across 248 local authorities in England, primarily in metropolitan boroughs, district councils, and unitary authorities.
The Conservative Party lost 1,334 seats, their worst local election performance since 1998, reducing their total council presence significantly.
Labour lost 82 seats, despite being the main opposition party nationally, indicating erosion of support in key urban and traditional heartland areas.
The Liberal Democrats gained 708 seats, capitalizing on anti-Brexit sentiment and becoming the largest opposition party in local councils.
Green Party increased representation by winning 113 seats, including breakthroughs in traditionally Conservative areas like the South East.

How It Works

Local elections in the UK follow a decentralized system where each council operates under its own electoral cycle, typically every four years, though some elect by thirds. The 2019 elections used the first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the most votes wins the ward seat.

Term: Councilors elected in May 2019 served four-year terms, with the next elections scheduled for 2023. Their responsibilities included local planning, education oversight, waste management, and housing.
Electoral system used was first-past-the-post, meaning the candidate with the highest number of votes in each ward won the seat, regardless of majority.
Voting eligibility included British, Irish, and Commonwealth citizens aged 18+ who were registered and resident in the council area.
Ballot structure varied by council, but most featured a list of candidates by party with names and affiliations clearly marked.
Counting process occurred overnight after polls closed, with results declared by local returning officers throughout May 2 and 3.
Turnout averaged 34% nationally, though it reached 41% in some London boroughs and remained below 30% in parts of the North East.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of party performance in the 2019 UK local elections:

Party	Seats Won	Net Change	Vote Share	Key Gains
Conservative	2,170	-1,334	32.5%	Lost control in key councils like Thurrock and Basildon
Labour	1,958	-82	27.1%	Held Birmingham but lost Doncaster and Derby
Liberal Democrats	1,725	+708	23.8%	Gained control of Woking, Winchester, and Eastleigh
Green Party	459	+113	6.2%	Won seats in Brighton, London, and southern England
Independent/Other	1,187	+500	10.4%	Strong local campaigns in rural and coastal areas

The table highlights a dramatic realignment, with the Liberal Democrats and Greens gaining at the expense of the two major parties. Voter sentiment was heavily influenced by Brexit positioning, with pro-Remain parties outperforming pro-Leave factions in suburban and urban areas. The rise of independents also reflected growing localism and distrust in national party leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2019 local elections were a bellwether for national political trends, foreshadowing the upheaval seen in the December 2019 general election. They revealed deep fractures within the UK’s political landscape, particularly over Brexit and party loyalty.

Conservative losses signaled voter backlash over Brexit delays and leadership instability under Theresa May.
Labour's decline in local government raised concerns about Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership and unclear Brexit stance.
Liberal Democrat resurgence demonstrated the political potency of a clear anti-Brexit message in certain demographics.
Green gains indicated growing environmental concerns and youth engagement in local politics.
Low turnout underscored voter apathy, especially among younger demographics, despite high-profile issues.
Local governance shifts impacted policy decisions on housing, transport, and climate action in affected councils.

Ultimately, the 2019 local elections served as a critical indicator of public sentiment during a period of national uncertainty, shaping the trajectory of UK politics leading into the general election later that year.