Redditch Borough Council has been left in no overall control after the 2026 local elections, as Reform UK made significant gains and Labour lost its majority. Nigel Farage's party won all but one of the seats being contested in the Worcestershire borough, securing eight seats overall.
Labour Remains Largest Party but Loses Majority
Despite losing control, Labour remains the largest party on the council with 13 seats. Reform UK now holds eight seats, while the Conservatives have four. With only a third of seats up for election, Labour's majority has disappeared, forcing discussions about the future leadership of the authority.
Labour may attempt to form a coalition with independents or the Conservatives to retain control. The sole Labour victory came from Gary Slim, who won the Central ward with 31% of the vote.
Reform UK Dominates the Polls
Reform UK candidates won their seats with substantial vote shares, often exceeding 40%. The victorious candidates for Reform UK include:
- Astwood Bank and Feckenham: Roger Bennett (37%)
- Batchley and Brockhill: Ashley Monk (40%)
- Greenlands and Lakeside: Nikki Lloyd (41%)
- Headless Cross and Oakenshaw: Susan Eacock (39%)
- Matchborough and Woodrow: David Meredith (43%)
- North: Nic Pioli (43%)
- Webheath and Callow Hill: Simon Farmer (35%)
- Winyates: James Aston (46%)
The only non-Reform winner was Labour's Gary Slim in Central ward, securing 31% of the vote. The results mark a significant shift in Redditch's political landscape, with Reform UK emerging as a major force.
