2026 elections mapped: how Labour lost ground in different directions

Labour has suffered heavy losses across England, Scotland and Wales, losing ground to opponents on the left and the right in a fragmented political system. The graphics below show where Labour’s losses were most severe, and how the electoral landscape has changed as a result. In England, Labour lost ground to Reform UK on the right as well as the Greens on the left. As of 7.30pm on Friday, there were at least 26 English councils where Labour had dropped to its lowest level of representation on record. Guardian graphic. Source: 2026 results via Press Association. Historic results via Open Council. Record drops were calculated based on biggest year-to-year falls in Labour's seat share on whole council back to 1973. Only councils where Labour has controlled at least 50% seats were included In Scotland, Labour suffered as the Scottish National party capitalised on a divided vote . As Reform made gains, largely at the expense of the Conservatives, Labour failed to translate discontent with the SNP into gains. Labour’s collapse in the Senedd seemed even more existential, having lost power for the first time since the Welsh parliament was created in 1999. The party’s vote share fell by more than half, enough to push it into third place, with Plaid Cymru surging to become the largest party and Reform in second. Guardian graphic. Source: 2026 results via Press Association. …