Bromley Mayor Local Elections 2026 Results Live: Which Party Won How Many Seats? Who Is Leading, Who Is Winning

The results of the 2026 Bexley London Borough Council election are now officially out, with the Conservative Party successfully holding control of the borough despite facing strong competition from Reform UK. Earlier projections had suggested that Bexley could move into a “No Overall Control” situation, but the Conservatives managed to secure a majority by winning 29 out of the council’s 45 seats. Led by council leader David Leaf, the Conservatives retained power even though the party lost four seats compared to the previous local elections in 2022. The result is being seen as an important win for the party in outer London, especially at a time when Reform UK has been making rapid gains in several boroughs across England.

Conservatives Hold Majority In Bexley

The Conservative Party remained the largest political force in the borough after securing 29 council seats. Although the party experienced some losses, it still comfortably crossed the majority mark needed to control the council. Conservative leaders focused their campaign on local governance, council finances, road improvements, housing management, and community safety issues. Several traditional Conservative strongholds remained loyal to the party despite growing pressure from opposition groups. Political analysts believe the Conservative victory in Bexley will be viewed as a significant result for the party in London’s suburban boroughs, where voter preferences have been shifting in recent years.

Reform UK Emerges As A Major Political Force

One of the biggest stories of the election night was the rise of Reform UK. The party won seven seats in Bexley for the first time in its history, marking a major political breakthrough in the borough. Reform UK also secured a strong 31.9% vote share, coming close to the Conservatives’ 36.9%. The party managed to win key wards including Crayford and Northumberland Heath, areas where political analysts had predicted close contests. Reform UK’s campaign focused on immigration, anti-establishment politics, council accountability, and dissatisfaction with traditional political parties. Its performance in Bexley is now being seen as one of the strongest Reform UK showings in London during the 2026 local elections.

Labour Suffers Losses Across Key Wards

Labour had a disappointing night as the party’s representation on the council dropped from 10 seats to seven. Labour lost support in several wards as voters shifted toward both the Conservatives and Reform UK. Despite campaigning heavily on affordable housing, NHS support, social care, and public transport issues, Labour struggled to gain enough momentum in suburban parts of the borough. However, the party managed to retain support in areas such as Belvedere and Erith. Party leaders said they would continue rebuilding local support ahead of future elections.

Full Bexley Council Election 2026 Results

Voter Turnout Sees Major Increase

The election also witnessed a significantly higher voter turnout compared to previous years. According to official figures, turnout reached 45.7%, which is 8.6 percentage points higher than the turnout recorded during the 2022 Bexley local elections. Political experts believe the increased turnout reflected growing public interest in local governance as well as rising support for alternative political parties. Several wards witnessed highly competitive races during the counting process.

What Happens Next In Bexley Council?

The results mean that the Conservative Party will continue running Bexley Council for another term. Newly elected councillors will now move forward with leadership appointments, committee selections, and setting local policy priorities for the coming years. At the same time, Reform UK’s emergence as a new opposition force is expected to reshape council debates and political discussions within the borough. Analysts believe the party’s strong performance in Bexley could influence future elections across outer London and other parts of England.

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