The counting for Wales election is set to begin soon. The early results in England suggest Reform UK is leading. The polls across Scotland, Wales, and 136 English councils mark the biggest election in the UK since the 2024 general election. This election is expected to be a major test for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
However, the final results will be announced later, as most councils are not counting overnight. The complete results are expected to be declared on Friday, along with the Senedd and Scottish Parliament results.
The results for 40 of the 136 councils have been declared, and the ruling party appears to be losing its grip after major setbacks in Tameside, Hartlepool, and Wigan. Pollsters predict that Labour could lose more than 1,500 seats.
Who Is Leading in the Wales Local Election Results 2026?
The counting for the Wales local election is yet to begin. The last time Wales went to the polls to elect Senedd members in 2021, Labour emerged as the most popular party, followed by the Conservatives. Reform UK, Plaid Cymru, and the Greens have also expressed confidence about increasing their vote share this time.
Labour Party strategists suggest that the government is likely to lose support in the local elections. If the numbers in Wales do not turn in Labour’s favour, it could raise questions about the strength of Starmer’s coalition and his leadership.
Wales Local Election Results 2026: Key Regions to Watch
Here are some key regions to watch in the Wales election results 2026:
Caerdydd Penarth
This seat is one of the two constituencies covering the nation’s capital, Cardiff. The seat is a combination of the Cardiff East and Cardiff South & Penarth Westminster constituencies. It has traditionally supported the Labour Party.
However, projections under the new system suggest the seat could see strong competition from multiple parties. Plaid Cymru, Labour, Reform UK, and the Greens are all considered to have a chance here. Cardiff council leader Huw Thomas is contesting for Labour, while Welsh Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter is also hoping to secure a seat.
Sir Gaerfyrddin
This contest is expected to be a battle between three senior Plaid Cymru leaders. Cefin Campbell topped the party’s list, while former Assembly Member Nerys Evans is expected to return to the Senedd after securing second place. Former party leader Adam Price was ranked third.
There is no minimum vote percentage required for a party to win seats. However, it is generally assumed that the effective threshold is somewhere between 12% and 14%.
Bangor Conwy Mon
This Welsh seat covers Bangor, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, Holyhead, and Llandudno. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth is widely expected to win a seat here, while Reform UK deputy leader Helen Jenner could also secure a place.
Some polls also suggest that long-standing Conservative Janet Finch-Saunders could retain a seat here. Although other surveys predict a wipeout for the Conservatives in the region, the contest remains highly interesting.
When Will the Wales Local Election Results 2026 Be Announced?
Here are the expected announcement timings for the Wales local election results:
- Afan Ogwr Rhondda – 3:30 PM
- Bangor Conwy Môn – 3 PM
- Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni – 3 PM
- Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd – 3 PM
- Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf – 3 PM
- Caerdydd Penarth – 3 PM
- Casnewydd Islwyn – 2 PM
- Ceredigion Penfro – 3 PM
- Clwyd – 3 PM
- Fflint Wrecsam – 5:30 PM
- Gwyr Abertawe – 2 PM
- Gwynedd Maldwyn – 3:30 PM
- Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg – 3 PM
- Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr – 4 PM
- Sir Fynwy Torfaen – 2 PM
- Sir Gaerfyrddin – 4 PM
When Will the Local Election 2026 End?
In Wales, the 2026 local and Senedd elections are concluding today, Friday, May 8, 2026. The final votes are being tallied, and the results will also be declared today. Voting for both the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and council by-elections took place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with polling stations closing at 10 PM BST.
