The 2026 Dudley local elections count was a night of mixed emotions for candidates and their supporters, with joy and disappointment in equal measure. The count began on May 7 when ballot boxes were opened at the Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge, where 220 staff worked through the night to tally votes.
Key Results
Despite significant gains by Reform UK, the Conservative Party retained its position as the largest group in the council chamber with 27 elected members. Before the election, the Tories controlled the 72-seat authority with a minority administration of 33 councillors, relying on Liberal Democrat support for key votes such as the budget. Reform UK secured 23 councillors, replacing Labour (15 councillors) as the second-largest group. The Liberal Democrats won four seats, while The Black Country party claimed three.
The Counting Process
The 2026 election covered 25 seats across Dudley. Counting commenced at 10pm, with the first result—for the Belle Vale ward—declared at 2:22am. Balvinder Heran, Dudley's chief executive and returning officer, oversaw the process and announced the final result for the fiercely contested Wollaston and Stourbridge Town ward at 5:27am.
Gallery Highlights
Photographs from the night capture every emotion: Reform UK supporters celebrating after making one of 22 gains, disappointed Liberal Democrats after losing a seat, returning officer Balvinder Heran declaring results from 24 wards, and TV crews and radio broadcasters recording the event. The count at Stourbridge's Crystal Centre was a hive of activity from start to finish.
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