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John Slinger – 2026 Comments about Keir Starmer’s Leadership

The comments made by John Slinger, the Labour MP for Rugby, on 11 May 2026.

I haven’t ever equivocated or hedged my bets about whether Keir Starmer should remain Prime Minister.

I’ve always been clear: he must stay.

Here’s why.

Keir was the right person to lead Labour after Jeremy Corbyn, the right leader to change the Labour Party and make us electable again, and definitely the right leader in government.

I’ve not supported the Prime Minister for personal gain, nor because I’ve been told to, and certainly not to make myself popular either within the Labour Party or with the public. I’ve done so, and continue to do so, because I believe, sincerely, that Keir is the right person to lead our country.

I completely understand that some colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party, the wider party and many members of the public don’t share my view. I respect their views, but I want people to understand why I support Keir Starmer. As a party, and as a country, we need to learn to disagree agreeably. We must set a good example at this difficult time.

What the Prime Minister’s speech told us

Over the last few days, following the local election results, and before the PM’s speech today, I set out my thinking in LabourList and on my Substack. Keir’s speech today has only reinforced my belief that he should stay as Prime Minister.

In the Prime Minister’s speech we saw more of the person, a man from a working class background, who has committed himself to public service. We saw passion, someone who knows that this isn’t just the fight of his political life, but one far more important than that. He said he will “never stop fighting for the decent, respectful, diverse country that I love, I will never give up on the hope we can unlock in this country.” He has accepted responsibility as a leader, but rightly acknowledges that taking responsibility must include responsibility for taking action to resolve things. And finally, the plan: whether on the vital need for us as a country not to go back to the status quo ante after this recent Iran war-related crisis, but to make the long term changes we need to make, or closer ties to Europe, or much more support for our younger and future generations, with far more to come on Wednesday.

A complete break with the past

In moving beyond the status quo, in his speech today, the PM set out that we need a “complete break” with the past. He set out that we need to build a stronger and fairer country. He mentioned renationalising British Steel, he spoke of strengthening ever further our vital relationship with the European Union, and he spoke movingly about the need to offer a brighter future for our young people, in which every young person can realise their potential.

This last point has been one of my priorities since becoming an MP. As long ago as January 2025 I called for a Youth Triple Lock and for more resources and attention to be directed towards young people. I’ve been calling for this repeatedly since then, as well as for a Cabinet level Minister for the Younger and Future Generations.

Action this day

We’ll hear more from the Prime Minister and the government on Wednesday with the King’s Speech, which will set out our legislative programme for the next session of Parliament. The Prime Minister was clear in his speech that we must bring the same urgency with which the government acted over the Scunthorpe steelworks to “everything now”. This is something I wholeheartedly agree with, and I myself called for an “action this day” approach to government that takes a wartime mentality, much like the one that Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones spoke about recently when he said we need the Covid vaccine taskforce model to be applied across Whitehall.

The mainstream parties such as Labour must be able to demonstrate clearly to the public that democratic government should, can and will change their lives for the better, and that impediments to this will be overcome.

Why I oppose calls for the Prime Minister to resign

In addition to what I’ve already written about the Labour leadership, here’s why I support Keir Starmer as Prime Minister and oppose calls for him to resign, or to set out a timetable to resign.

Despite being hugely talented, and potentially being leadership material, none of the alternative leaders mentioned have set out their stall effectively enough on how to resolve the deep-set problems facing our country. What is at stake is the political leadership of the fifth largest economy in the world. The public expect us to treat this accordingly. We seem to be talking about the leadership of the Labour Party as if it’s something that can just be given to people relatively casually, rather like the presidency of a debating society.

Keir Starmer is not an accidental leader. He won a leadership election, reformed the Labour Party to ensure it was electable again, led us through opposition into an election campaign, won a huge majority and has led the country through a difficult period.

Why I wouldn’t support a challenge, even if there were credible alternatives
Even if there were a phalanx of alternatives, of “big beasts”, each capable of being Prime Minister and having set out their strategic vision, I would still not support a leadership challenge. Why?

Firstly, Keir Starmer has been a good leader, a good Prime Minister, who has begun the mammoth task of rebuilding a country reeling from years of underinvestment, deep-set structural problems and a deeply unstable international environment. He’s led a government that has stabilised and grown the economy, invested in public services, begun to carry out the long-term strategic reforms of our health system and our infrastructure, brought down NHS waiting lists, increased workers’ rights and the minimum and national living wage, and much more.

Secondly, the public would not forgive us for plunging the country back into the chaos that beset the last Conservative government, when they thought that replacing Prime Ministers would solve the country’s problems. We need stability and we need a grown-up approach to governing, and also to levelling with the public about the challenges that we face and what will be necessary to resolve them.

Another reason is how this must make us look internationally at a time of great peril overseas. Leaders and populations of foreign countries must be looking on aghast as some of my colleagues consider defenestrating a leader who won a major majority pretty much at the first sign of trouble, less than two years after he won big.

The political moment demands seriousness

We mustn’t replicate in politics, when the stakes are so high, some of the worst elements of the modern age: doomscrolling on social media, doom-headlining in the media, unrealistic demands for simple solutions to complex problems, looking to blame others rather than accept our own responsibility, a lack of decorum in political debate, or allowing frustration to turn into destructive anger and recrimination rather than into resolve to tackle challenges and unlock opportunities.

Pinning all our current problems as a government or as a country on the Prime Minister is unreasonable. It’s about all of us in the Parliamentary Labour Party, and in the wider labour movement, pulling together and accepting our responsibility. The Prime Minister has a responsibility, but so do cabinet ministers, ministers and MPs to set out the vision of this Labour government and to persuade the public about what we are doing. More widely, all of us in the party should now pull together, rally behind this Labour Prime Minister, and this Labour government, which is already delivering huge change in our country.

That is what I will be focused on, in supporting the Prime Minister in doing.

11/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : PM vows to tear up “status quo” that failed young people on apprenticeships and skills [May 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 May 2026.

The Prime Minister will meet with apprentices to underline the Government’s drive to overhaul the apprenticeship system, break down barriers to opportunity for young people and ensure the economy works for people in every part of the country.
- Apprenticeships put on an equal footing with university degrees as PM vows to “tear up the status quo” that held young people back
- Small businesses can take on young apprentices with training fully funded from August, reversing years of underinvestment that locked young people out of opportunity
- Part of the Prime Minister’s plan to build a stronger, fairer Britain by backing young people with real opportunities into work
The Prime Minister will meet with apprentices today [Tuesday 12 May] to underline the Government’s drive to overhaul the apprenticeship system, break down barriers to opportunity for young people and ensure the economy works for people in every part of the country.

Apprenticeships are being placed at the heart of a new approach to skills, giving young people more ways to build secure careers and offering employers the workforce they need to grow.

The Government is now making it even easier for young people to find and access opportunities in one place through JobHelp – bringing together online support on jobs, skills, apprenticeships and training. JobHelp is designed to help young people navigate the system more easily and find routes into work that fit around their needs.

The visit follows the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday, where he set out how the Government is not just fixing what went wrong, but changing how the country works and who it works for. Despite strong headline growth in recent years, too many communities and families have not felt the benefits, and too many young people were left without a clear route into secure, skilled jobs.

For decades, underinvestment in apprenticeships and technical education drove too many young people away from opportunity and left employers without the skills they need. This Government is determined to reverse that failure and place apprenticeships at the heart of a fairer economy.

Central to that mission is the Prime Minister’s ambition for more young people to take part in higher‑level learning – whether academic, technical or through apprenticeships – so that success is no longer defined by a single path, and talent and hard work are recognised in all their forms.

That ambition is now being delivered through a major, previously announced package of reforms to the apprenticeship and skills system. A £1 billion investment will support 50,000 more young people into apprenticeships and high‑quality training over the next three years, helping tackle youth unemployment while boosting economic growth.

Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden said:

“Too many young people have been locked out of good work and real opportunity. We are changing that and we are already making good on that promise.

“Through apprenticeships, training and the new JobHelp service, we are opening up clear, supported routes into work for young people in every part of the country.

“A stronger, fairer economy is one where every young person has a real chance to succeed, and this Government is delivering that.”

Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson said:

“For too long, young people have been let down by a system that offered too few routes into skilled, well-paid work. That is changing as more people learn the skills and get the hands-on experience that will help them build their careers.

“I believe talent exists everywhere, and opportunity should too. We are building a system that works for every young person, wherever they live and whatever path they choose.”

A cornerstone of the reforms is removing the financial barriers that have held back opportunity for years. The Government will be covering the full cost of apprenticeship training for eligible under‑25s at smaller businesses, by abolishing the 5% co‑investment rate. This change opens up thousands of new opportunities for young people and makes it easier for local employers to grow their workforce and invest in young talent.

The government is also offering businesses £3,000 for every young person aged 18–24 they hire who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months which is expected to support 60,000 young people into work over three years.

This comes alongside a £2,000 Apprenticeship Incentive for each new 16–24‑year‑old taken on by a smaller will help drive progress towards the Government’s ambition of creating 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people.

The Jobs Guarantee is also being expanded from 18–21 to 18–24, creating more than 35,000 additional subsidised jobs and taking the total number of opportunities supported through the scheme to over 90,000 in the next three years. 

In March, the government launched a major youth employment drive, backed by a further £1 billion investment in young people. This takes the total investment into the Youth Guarantee and the additional investment in the Growth and Skills Levy to £2.5 billion over the next three years. This will support almost one million young people and help deliver up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.

The package also includes £140 million for new regional pilots, giving mayors the power to connect young people, including those not in education, employment or training – with apprenticeship opportunities at local employers. Working with regional leaders who understand their economies will ensure training meets real local skills needs. 

Employers and learners will benefit from a more flexible system, with new short training courses launched last month in areas such as AI, engineering and digital skills. The Government is also working closely with the defence sector to develop new work‑based training routes, helping build the critical skills needed for the future.

Alongside this, new waves of foundation apprenticeships are being rolled out in sectors including hospitality and retail, creating more entry‑level routes for young people to earn, learn and progress. Taken together, the reforms are simplifying and modernising the apprenticeship system, making it quicker, more flexible and more responsive to employers and learners.

Today’s visit underlines the Government’s commitment to breaking down barriers for young people, restoring pride in place and ensuring that growth and opportunity are felt all across the country.
11/05/2026
Sam Rushworth – 2026 Comments about Keir Starmer’s Leadership

The comments made by Sam Rushworth, the Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, on 11 May 2026.

As the Labour MP elected for Bishop Auckland with a majority of just over 1,500 votes, I know something about the difficult political landscape facing Labour in the North East. I speak to constituents every week who are struggling with the cost of living, who are worried about public services, and who desperately want to see change after years of Conservative failure.

The Labour Government has already done important things in its first two years. We have delivered the biggest expansion of workers’ rights in a generation, taken serious steps to tackle child poverty, brought rail franchises back into public ownership, set up Great British Energy and started to rebuild the NHS. In County Durham, we have seen investment in our high streets, support for our schools, and a renewed focus on jobs and growth.

But I also know that many people feel impatient. They want change to come faster, and they want to feel that politics is on their side. That is why the message from last week’s elections must be taken seriously. Voters are not giving us a free pass. They are telling us to listen harder, move quicker and make sure that the benefits of a Labour Government are felt in every town and village.

I do not believe the answer is to turn inwards or to spend the next few months arguing with ourselves. The country needs a Labour Government that is focused on delivery, not division. Keir Starmer led our party from its worst defeat in modern times to a landslide general election victory, and he deserves the chance to finish the job of changing Britain.

There will be difficult conversations ahead, and there should be. Labour MPs have a duty to be honest about what is working and what is not. But those conversations must be rooted in the interests of the people we represent, not in Westminster speculation or personal ambition.

My focus remains on Bishop Auckland, the villages and communities across our constituency, and making sure that this Labour Government delivers the change people voted for.

11/05/2026
Mary Kelly Foy – 2026 Comments about Keir Starmer’s Leadership

The comments made by Mary Kelly Foy, the Labour MP for the City of Durham, on 11 May 2026.

After listening to the Prime Minister carefully this morning, I’ve decided to offer my honest opinion about the situation we currently find ourselves in.

From as early as September 2024 I tried to issue well intended warnings to colleagues, Regional Office, and senior Labour figures including the party’s own General Secretary, highlighting that some of the key policy decisions being made by Labour were going to cause additional and unnecessary strain on my constituents in Durham and many of the people across the country who voted for us at the 2024 General Election. Those who voted for change, and for hope, following 14 years of crippling austerity.

As local elections in County Durham loomed in the first half of 2025 – less than a year after our spectacular GE victory – the mood amongst the electorate had changed dramatically. Again, I raised my concerns about the catastrophe that would follow.

After the election, and the loss of huge numbers of hardworking Labour Councillors in County Durham, I had urgent calls with senior Labour officials. I also met with Number 10 to outline exactly where Labour had got it wrong. I implored them, again, to change direction; to allow our communities to feel heard and to show them that this Labour Government was on their side.

No one listened.

What seemed like a constant desire to beat Reform at their own game continued. It was a misguided tactic – we don’t win back support by mirroring right wing populist policies or parroting their rhetoric. Especially not when it became clear that Labour was losing more votes to progressive parties to the left than to Reform. Voters in May 2026 responded to those who have clear vision and strong values. Things that Labour sadly do not currently offer.

Backbench MPs like me have felt consistently ignored, disappointingly branded the ‘usual suspects’ who aren’t ‘playing the team game’. As an MP, one of the most difficult decisions you can ever make is to vote against your own party; but when it comes down to it I will always do my best to put the City of Durham constituency first, and be guided by my Labour values.

Due to the misguided efforts of those at the top of Government, division in our communities has increased and the gap between the many and the few continues to grow, and the continued disfunction in Downing Street has led to even the most hardcore Labour voters turning their backs on the party that once was a beacon of hope to working class and marginalised communities.

My heart breaks at the current state of the party I’ve called my political home for my entire life and I’m embarrassed by the never-ending sound bites from Cabinet Ministers stating they don’t hear issues about the leadership on the doorstep. Perhaps they should knock on the same doors I have, but their lack of interest in listening to backbench colleagues has been made abundantly clear.

Apologies won’t cut it any longer. I know I might disappoint some Labour members by saying this, but we’ve reached an existential crisis. Labour lies on its death bed – with the only realistic cure being a change in direction and a change in leadership.

The best thing that could happen now is for the Prime Minister to set out a clear timetable for his departure, and for the process of a fair and democratic leadership election to be agreed.

11/05/2026
Keir Starmer – 2026 Keynote Speech after Local Elections

The speech made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, in London on 11 May 2026.

Thank you very much and thank you Jade. They were such powerful words, thank you for that introduction.

The election results last week were tough, very tough. We lost some brilliant Labour representatives. That hurts and it should hurt. I get it, I feel it, and I take responsibility.

But it’s not just about taking responsibility for the results. It’s about taking responsibility to explain how as a political and electoral force, we will be better and do better in the months and years ahead.

Because we are not just facing dangerous times but dangerous opponents. Very dangerous opponents.

This hurts – not just because Labour has done badly. But because if we don’t get this right. Our country will go down a very dark path.

So just as I take responsibility for the results. I also take responsibility for delivering the change we promised. For a stronger and fairer Britain that we must build. I take responsibility for navigating us through a world that is more dangerous than at any time in my life. And I take responsibility for not walking away. Not plunging our country into chaos, as the Tories did time and again. Chaos that did lasting damage to this country. A Labour government would never be forgiven for inflicting that on our country again.

I know that people are frustrated by the state of Britain. Frustrated by politics. And some people – frustrated with me. I know I have my doubters. And I know I need to prove them wrong. And I will.

So let me start on a personal note. Like every prime minister I’ve learned a lot in the first two years in the job. In terms of the policy challenges that our country faces – incremental change won’t cut it. On growth, defence, Europe, energy, we need a bigger response than we anticipated in 2024.

Because these are not ordinary times. And this is a political challenge just as much as it’s a policy challenge.

Delivery is of course essential. But it’s not sufficient on its own to address the frustration that voters feel.

We’re battling Reform and the Greens. But at a deeper level we are battling the despair on which they prey. Despair that they exploit and amplify.

And so analysis matters but argument matters more. Evidence matters but so too does emotion. Stories beat spreadsheets. People need hope.

So we will face up to the big challenges. And we will make the big arguments – the Labour case. That only Labour values and Labour policies can ensure our country not only weathers these storms, but emerges stronger and fairer.

And the Labour case that neither Nigel Farage nor Zack Polanski offers our country the serious progressive leadership these times demand.

Of course, like every government we’ve made mistakes. But we got the big political choices right.

I mean – if we had listened to the advice of other parties, right now – we would be stuck in a stand-off with Iran. Having been dragged into a war that is not in our interest. And I will never do that.

We invested in our public services, in people, in the pride of Britain’s communities.

Difficult decisions funded that.

But now – NHS waiting times are coming down, child poverty is coming down, immigration is coming down, and we are rebuilding from the ground up. They were the right calls.

And most of all – we stabilised the economy. The fundamentals are sound – and that matters. Because it puts us in a much better place to come out of the conflict in Iran, stronger and fairer. And for living standards to improve after two decades of stagnation.

But that’s not enough. Clearly.

No, for the British people, tired – of a status quo that has failed them, change cannot come quickly enough. And truth be told, I’m not sure that they believe that we care. I’m not sure they believe that we see their lives. And that’s tough to say.

When you come from a working-class background, like me – it’s hard to hear that. Because I do know what it’s like to struggle and to strive.

But what I take from it is that I have spent too much time talking about what I am doing for working people and not enough time talking about why or who I stand for.

Because I can see how hard life has been during these decades of crisis. I can see that very clearly.

My late brother, Nick spent all his adult life going from one job to the next. The status quo did not work for him.

My sister is a carer working long hours on low pay. Year after year after year. She didn’t even get sick pay in the pandemic. The status quo did not work for her.

For too long we’ve ignored people like that. And there are millions of people in that boat. Millions of people who don’t get the dignity. The respect. The chance that they deserve, to go as far as their talent and effort should take them. Millions of people held back because the status quo in this country does not work for them.

I am fighting for them. We are fighting for them. I am their Prime Minister and this is their Government.

Because I know whose side I am on. I’m on the side of working people, just like my sister. People who work harder and harder but who worry about the cost of living. They’re not asking for the world, they just want to do the best for their kids. They want their town centres, the places they care about – to thrive. Their public services to work.

And people in power to see their problems.

And right now they’re worried sick. They turn on the TV – they see bombs falling. Go to the petrol station – see prices rising. And they think – how is happening to us again?

They say how can I be paying the price for a war thousands of miles away that I don’t support, that Britain isn’t involved in.

And it’s not a new feeling – is it? For two decades our country’s been buffeted by crisis after crisis. The 2008 financial crash, the Tory austerity that followed it, Brexit, Covid, the Ukraine War. On and on it goes.

And the response – is always the same… A desperate attempt to get back to the status quo… A status quo that failed working people, time and again.

Our response this time must be different – a complete break. We must make this country stronger. Take control of our economic security, our energy security, our defence security.

And we must make this country fairer. Strength through fairness, that is my compass in this world. It is a core Labour argument.

And in the coming days, you will see those values writ large in the King’s Speech.

And you will see hope, urgency, and exactly whose side we are on reflected in everything we say and everything we do.

Let me give you three examples today…

Starting with British Steel.

Because what we did in Scunthorpe last year, is one of the proudest things we have done in Government. That plant was hours away from closure, and that is thousands of jobs – gone. An entire region – decimated. Britain’s security – exposed. And so we acted.

Parliament was in recess but it didn’t matter. As a united Labour Party, we passed emergency legislation. And we took control. We must bring that same urgency to everything now. Starting, appropriately enough, with Scunthorpe.

Because steel is the ultimate sovereign capability. Strong nations, in a world like this, need to make steel. That’s why we’re backing steel in Port Talbot and across the UK.

But in Scunthorpe, we’ve been negotiating with the current owner. A commercial sale has not been possible. And a public interest test could now be met. So I can announce that legislation will be brought forward this week to give the Government powers – subject to that public interest test. To take full national ownership of British Steel, public ownership in the public interest. Urgent Government on the side of working people. Making Britain Stronger with the hope of industrial renewal.

That is a Labour choice.

Second example – Europe.

And I’m sorry – but I need to take a bit of a detour on this. Because I want to remind you what Nigel Farage said about Brexit. He said it would make us richer. Wrong – it made us poorer. He said it would reduce migration. Wrong – migration went through the roof. He said it would make us more secure. Wrong again – it made us weaker. He took Britain for a ride – and unlike the Tories, actually who at least had to face up to it he just fled the scene.

And now, he’ll talk about almost anything other than the consequences of the one policy he actually delivered. Because he’s not just a grifter, he is a chancer.

So – at the next EU summit I will set a new direction for Britain. The last government was defined by breaking our relationship with Europe. This Labour Government will be defined by rebuilding our relationship with Europe. By putting Britain at the heart of Europe. Because standing shoulder to shoulder, with the countries that most share our interests, our values and our enemies, that is the right choice for Britain.

That is the Labour choice.

And for our young people also something more. Because Brexit snatched away their ability to work, to study, and to live easily in Europe. That’s why I am proud we restored the Erasmus scheme. But I want to go further. I want to make a better offer for our young people restore that hope and that freedom, that sense of possibility.

And so I want an ambitious Youth Experience scheme to be at the heart of our new arrangement with the EU. So that our young people can work, study and live in Europe.

A symbol of a stronger relationship and a fairer future with our closest allies.

That is the Labour choice.

And third – the greatest hope…

The hope every parent has of a better future for their children, I want parents to feel that this is shared by their Government.

Now – my parents… Don’t worry – I’m not going there! But, they didn’t have a lot of money. And my Mum was seriously ill for most of her life. But when they were in their later years reflecting on what gave their life meaning, I could see that, as well as their hope in us, their kids, what comforted them was the idea that they had contributed to a Britain that was getting better for young people. That kids now had better opportunities than they did.

And so I have always been driven by the idea that every child should go as far as their talent or effort takes them. It’s a beautiful idea shared – widely across this country.

We tell ourselves stories about it – don’t we? Stories not unlike mine about the working-class kids who do make it. And I don’t blame people for telling those stories. It’s important to tell those stories. But it’s not everyone – is it?

So when I say every child should have the opportunity to go as far as their talent or effort takes them, I mean every child. I mean the kids who are growing up in poverty. The kids who have special educational needs. The kids who can’t get a job, and the kids who are ignored, frankly.

Because society often only puts those who go to university on a pedestal. We don’t see anything else as success. And that’s wrong – deeply wrong.

So we will go much further on our investment in apprenticeships, in technical excellence colleges, in special educational needs.

We will make sure every young person struggling to find work will get a guaranteed offer of a job, training or a work placement. And we will go much further with our pride in place programme, back the millions of people who give their time and effort to young people in their community. We will back them, not just with money, but with power.

And we will make sure that kids whose talent lies with their hands, kids who go to college, kids ignored by the status quo because politicians’ kids don’t go there… They will finally get the respect they deserve in a stronger, fairer Britain.

That is the Labour choice.

These are just a few examples. But they show the urgency and hope in our direction. They show the Labour values we will be guided by. And they show, frankly the lessons that we will learn.

Now – other parties will draw different lessons. In fact – they already are. They want more grievance politics. More division. More pointing at Britain’s problems. Looking, not for solutions, but for someone to blame.

Now that’s fine if it’s me, if it’s politicians – that’s the job. But increasingly – it’s not. It’s other people in this country. And I don’t think that’s British. That is not the decency and respect we are known for. But it’s here that politics is with us now…

And you’ll see it again on Saturday at a march designed to confront and intimidate this diverse city and this diverse country. That is why this Government will block far right agitators from travelling into Britain for that event. Because we will not allow people to come to the UK, threaten our communities, and spread hate on our streets.

This is nothing less than a battle for the soul of our nation. And I want to be crystal clear about how we win it. Because we cannot win as a weaker version of Reform or the Greens. We can only win as a stronger version of Labour. A mainstream party of power, not protest.

But I also want to be crystal clear on this, because I will never stop fighting for the decent, respectful, and diverse country that I love. And I will never give up on the hope we can unlock in this country…

The hope of renters for security in their home, of workers for fairness at work, of public services – freed from austerity. The hope of European solidarity, of community pride, of the people who paint over the graffiti that is racist.

A country taking control of its future. Our spirit – unchanged. Our resolve – unbroken.

The hope of a country that can and will become a stronger, fairer Britain.

That is the hope I am fighting for, that is the hope we are fighting for, that is the Labour choice.

Thank you.

11/05/2026
NEWS STORY : Jordan Goody Jailed After War Veteran Dilwyn Durham Suffered Fatal Injuries in Plymouth Collision

STORY

Jordan Goody has been jailed for six years after a collision in Plymouth which left 80-year-old war veteran Dilwyn Durham with fatal injuries.

Goody, 26, of Higher Efford Road, Plymouth, was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on Friday 8 May after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. Devon and Cornwall Police said he had been pulling wheelies on a KTM motorbike moments before the collision with Mr Durham on Beacon Park Road on Monday 5 February 2024.

Emergency services attended the scene after reports that a motorbike had collided with a pedestrian and that the rider had left the area. Mr Durham, who was described as a local man and war veteran, was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition but died of his injuries three days later.

Police launched an investigation through the Roads Policing Team and Serious Collisions Unit. Officers identified Goody as the rider, arrested him and later recovered the motorcycle from where it had been hidden. Witnesses told investigators that Goody had been pulling wheelies and overtaking cars shortly before the crash.

Goody denied causing death by dangerous driving but was convicted by a jury on 10 April 2026. As well as the six-year prison sentence, he was banned from driving for six years, extended to nine years, with an extended driving test requirement once he is released.

Detective Sergeant Sam Pullen, from the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit, said no sentence could make up for Goody’s actions. He said Goody had been riding an off-road bike which was uninsured, unlicensed and had no number plate, and had left the scene while Mr Durham lay dying in the road.

11/05/2026
NEWS STORY : Kawser Azad Jailed for Serious County Lines Class A Drug Offences

STORY

Kawser Azad has been jailed for seven years after admitting serious county lines drug offences linked to the supply of heroin and crack cocaine across East Kent. Kent Police said Azad, 29, of Countess Road, Northampton, was identified by detectives as a leading member of the “Marlow line”, a county line supplying drugs in the Canterbury area. Officers linked him to drug supply activity after an investigation that began in 2022.

Azad was arrested on Wednesday 13 July 2022 after officers spotted him driving a black Mercedes along Stodmarsh Road. Police said he drove away at high speed when an unmarked police vehicle activated its lights, reaching at least 72mph in a 30mph zone before stopping in Sussex Avenue.

A search of the car uncovered two mobile phones and around 70 wraps of suspected Class A drugs. Forensic tests later confirmed the packages included 37 wraps of diamorphine and 38 wraps of crack cocaine. Police also found evidence of drug dealing on the phones, including bulk messages sent to hundreds of contacts advertising drug deals.

Azad was charged with four offences, including two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, facilitating a person with intent to exploit and dangerous driving. He later pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 1 May. Detective Constable Danny Holloway said Azad had brought “dangerous illegal drugs into East Kent” and said the sentence should serve as a warning to others involved in drug trafficking.

11/05/2026
2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – City of Lincoln Council

2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – City of Lincoln Council

City of Lincoln Council
Council type: non-metropolitan district council
Election: City of Lincoln Council election, Thursday 7 May 2026
Seats contested: 11
Overall electorate: 64,705
Ballot papers issued: 23,763
Overall turnout: 36.73%
Overall control/status: Labour retained control. Labour won four of the 11 seats contested, leaving it with 17 councillors and the majority required to keep control of the authority.

Seat summary from the 11 wards contested:

Labour / Labour and Co-operative: 4
Reform UK: 4
Liberal Democrats: 2
Green Party: 1
Conservative: 0
Lincolnshire Independents: 0
Independent Trade Union and Socialist Candidate: 0
Liberal Party: 0

Abbey
Result: Liberal Democrat hold
Elected: Martin Ian Colin Christopher, Liberal Democrats
Electorate: 6,361
Ballot papers issued: 2,333
Turnout: 36.68%
Rejected ballots: 5
Majority: 469
Candidates: Martin Ian Colin Christopher, Liberal Democrats, 897; Elicia Jade Mary Boni, The Green Party, 428; Brian George Haughton, Reform UK, 403; Deborah Louise Fisher, Labour Party, 301; Roger Andrew Smith, Lincolnshire Independents, 182; Alexandra Sayer, Conservative Party Candidate, 117.

Birchwood
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Jamie Alan Cave, Reform UK
Electorate: 5,957
Ballot papers issued: 1,956
Turnout: 32.84%
Rejected ballots: 0
Majority: 264
Candidates: Jamie Alan Cave, Reform UK, 752; Alan William Briggs, Conservative Party Candidate, 488; Amanda Elizabeth Spalding, Labour and Co-operative Party, 337; Belle Anna Reynolds, The Green Party, 285; Paul Akomeah Osei, Liberal Democrats, 94.

Boultham
Result: Labour hold
Elected: Andrew Nigel Currie, Labour Party
Electorate: 5,350
Ballot papers issued: 2,100
Turnout: 39.25%
Rejected ballots: 4
Majority: 41
Candidates: Andrew Nigel Currie, Labour Party, 623; Stephen Mark Ledgeway, Reform UK, 582; Charles Antony Rodgers, The Green Party, 528; Oliver James Morgan, Conservative Party Candidate, 198; Deborah Grant, Liberal Democrats, 165.

Carholme
Result: Labour hold
Elected: Lesley Joan Allinson, Labour and Co-operative Party
Electorate: 5,710
Ballot papers issued: 2,476
Turnout: 43.36%
Rejected ballots: 9
Majority: 110
Candidates: Lesley Joan Allinson, Labour and Co-operative Party, 889; Joshua Jack Parkinson, The Green Party, 779; Robert Stevenson Cross, Reform UK, 447; Charlie Rogers, Conservative Party Candidate, 167; Ross David Pepper, Liberal Democrats, 117; Nicholas Thomas Parker, Independent Trade Union and Socialist Candidate, 48; Tinashe Chipawe, Liberal Party Candidate and Local Resident, 20.

Castle
Result: Labour hold
Elected: Helena Mair, Labour Party
Electorate: 5,480
Ballot papers issued: 2,183
Turnout: 39.84%
Rejected ballots: 6
Majority: 133
Candidates: Helena Mair, Labour Party, 768; Mabon Melbourne, Reform UK, 635; Katie Roland Rudd, The Green Party, 491; Mazyar Khidir, Conservative Party Candidate, 155; Joshua Lee Connor, Liberal Democrats, 128.

Glebe
Result: Liberal Democrat gain
Elected: Darrell Luke Ronald Harding, Liberal Democrats
Electorate: 5,885
Ballot papers issued: 2,061
Turnout: 35.02%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 130
Candidates: Darrell Luke Ronald Harding, Liberal Democrats, 764; Gareth John Shields, Reform UK, 634; Debra Armiger, Labour and Co-operative Party, 292; Matthew Thomas David Stevens, The Green Party, 209; William Joseph Hunter, Conservative Party Candidate, 160.

Hartsholme
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Stuart Grantham, Reform UK
Electorate: 6,350
Ballot papers issued: 2,501
Turnout: 39.39%
Rejected ballots: 3
Majority: 458
Candidates: Stuart Grantham, Reform UK, 1,007; Victoria Carolyn Brooks, Conservative Party Candidate, 549; Lisa Jane Pocklington, Labour Party, 424; Adrian Ernest Joseph Barrett, The Green Party, 340; James Jopson Charters, Liberal Democrats, 178.

Minster
Result: Labour hold
Elected: Joshua Todd Wells, Labour Party
Electorate: 5,474
Ballot papers issued: 2,219
Turnout: 40.54%
Rejected ballots: 4
Majority: 95
Candidates: Joshua Todd Wells, Labour Party, 811; Elizabeth Hughes, Reform UK, 716; Vasco Pinto, Conservative Party Candidate, 305; Emils Lacis, The Green Party, 250; Aidan David Turner, Liberal Democrats, 133.

Moorland
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Liam Mark Kelly, Reform UK
Electorate: 5,676
Ballot papers issued: 1,774
Turnout: 31.25%
Rejected ballots: 5
Majority: 455
Candidates: Liam Mark Kelly, Reform UK, 782; Olufunmilayo Monisola Adeyemi, Labour and Co-operative Party, 327; Matthew Thomas Fido, Conservative Party Candidate, 305; Seamus Eoin Murray, The Green Party, 262; Joshua Elveden Spires, Liberal Democrats, 93.

Park
Result: Green gain
Elected: Sally Anne Horscroft, The Green Party
Electorate: 6,529
Ballot papers issued: 1,878
Turnout: 28.76%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 143
Candidates: Sally Anne Horscroft, The Green Party, 568; Ryan Dean Campbell, Liberal Democrats, 425; Craig Rhodes, Reform UK, 416; Harriet Olivia Conway, Labour Party, 302; Turon Miah, Lincolnshire Independents, 85; Thomas Christopher Hulme, Conservative Party Candidate, 80.

Witham
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: James Bean, Reform UK
Electorate: 5,933
Ballot papers issued: 2,282
Turnout: 38.46%
Rejected ballots: 6
Majority: 318
Candidates: James Bean, Reform UK, 863; Josh Aidan Allen, Conservative Party Candidate, 545; Jonathan James Arthur Bilton, Labour Party, 398; Lynda Karen Skipper, The Green Party, 278; Sharon Nicola Osborne, Liberal Democrats, 192.

11/05/2026
2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Islington Council

2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Islington Council

Islington Council
Election: Local council elections, Thursday 7 May 2026
Seats contested: 51 across 17 wards
Overall control/status: Labour retained control
Results declared: all ward results announced by 6.22pm
Post-election composition: Labour 32, Green 19

Seat summary:

Labour: 32
Green: 19
Conservative: 0
Liberal Democrats: 0
Reform UK: 0
Independent: 0
Islington Community Independents: 0
Other parties: 0

Arsenal
Result: Green won two seats; Labour won one seat
Elected: Fin Craig, Labour Party; Patrick David Brighty, Green Party candidate; Nafisah Brown, Green Party candidate
Electorate: 8,539
Total votes counted: 11,451
Turnout: 46.06%
Rejected votes: 75
Majority: 33, calculated from the lowest elected candidate over the highest non-elected candidate
Candidates: Fin Craig, Labour Party, 1,622; Patrick David Brighty, Green Party candidate, 1,600; Nafisah Brown, Green Party candidate, 1,599; Thomas Doherty, Labour Party, 1,566; Jo Dowbor, Green Party candidate, 1,574; Bashir Ibrahim, Labour Party, 1,466; Jean-Philippe Chenot, Liberal Democrats, 241; John Dunton-Downer, Reform UK, 240; Ian Mackee, Reform UK, 232; Philip David Middleton, Liberal Democrats, 220; Harry Ripp, Reform UK, 209; Paul Jeremy Massey, Liberal Democrats, 201; Nicholas Bennett, Conservative Party Candidate, 223; Rachael Anne Henry, Conservative Party Candidate, 199; Mark William Edwards, Conservative Party Candidate, 190; Carol Margaret Louvet, Independent, 69.

Barnsbury
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Rowena Elizabeth Champion, Labour Party; Jilani Chowdhury, Labour Party; Kane Emerson, Labour Party
Electorate: 7,792
Total votes counted: 10,379
Turnout: 47.25%
Rejected votes: 33
Majority: 187
Candidates: Rowena Elizabeth Champion, Labour Party, 1,615; Jilani Chowdhury, Labour Party, 1,394; Kane Emerson, Labour Party, 1,355; Amelia Rose Bottomley, Green Party candidate, 1,168; Sara Mulatu, Green Party candidate, 1,041; Lucas Waelbroeck Boix, Green Party candidate, 982; Oliver Teller, Conservative Party Candidate, 482; Francis O’Brien, Reform UK, 480; Christopher Conor McCann, Conservative Party Candidate, 447; Jeremy Arthur Hargreaves, Liberal Democrats, 395; Michael Benedict Champness, Liberal Democrats, 394; Zak Vora, Conservative Party Candidate, 342; Erwann Patrick Michel Le Lannou, Liberal Democrats, 284.

Bunhill
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Valerie Bossman-Quarshie, Labour Party; Troy Martin Gallagher, Labour Party; Kiran Prasad, Labour Party
Electorate: 6,794
Total votes counted: 7,210
Turnout: 37.72%
Rejected votes and rejected in part: 42
Majority: 170
Candidates: Valerie Bossman-Quarshie, Labour Party, 1,091; Troy Martin Gallagher, Labour Party, 928; Kiran Prasad, Labour Party, 909; Alan Clark Gutierrez, Green Party first choice candidate, 739; Ava Lie, Green Party candidate, 660; David John Wade, Green Party candidate, 496; David Small, Reform UK, 390; Andrew Watson, Reform UK, 372; Sara Abey, Conservative Party Candidate, 270; Phil Graham, Islington Community Independents – for the Many, 262; Susan Beveridge, Liberal Democrats, 259; John Kenny, Liberal Democrats, 210; George Edwin Allan, Liberal Democrats, 196; Paul James Carr, Conservative Party Candidate, 212; David Shovel, Conservative Party Candidate, 179; Jake Anthony Painter, Social Democratic Party, 37.

Caledonian
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Paul Edmond Convery, Labour Party; Una Mary O’Halloran, Labour Party; Md Oliur Rahman, Labour Party
Electorate: 6,811
Total votes counted: 8,250
Turnout: 41.96%
Rejected votes: 30
Majority: 75
Candidates: Paul Edmond Convery, Labour Party, 1,201; Una Mary O’Halloran, Labour Party, 1,179; Md Oliur Rahman, Labour Party, 1,053; Sadia Ahmed-Nur Ali, Green Party candidate, 978; Bryony Carney, Green Party candidate, 941; Clara Luz, Green Party candidate, 918; Paul Lovell, Reform UK, 361; Chris Pitt, Reform UK, 342; Liz Snaith, Reform UK, 322; Euan Moir Cameron, Liberal Democrats, 188; Walera Martynchyk, Liberal Democrats, 148; Edward Mitford, Liberal Democrats, 142; Pete Backhouse, Conservative Party Candidate, 177; Alex John Challoner, Conservative Party Candidate, 165; Harrison Woodin-Lygo, Conservative Party Candidate, 135.

Canonbury
Result: Labour won two seats; Green won one seat
Elected: Clare Jeapes, Labour Party; Nicholas Wayne, Labour Party; Hayden Banks, Green Party candidate
Electorate: 8,384
Total votes counted: 10,184
Turnout: 41.61%
Rejected votes: 36
Majority: 38
Candidates: Clare Jeapes, Labour Party, 1,343; Nicholas Wayne, Labour Party, 1,210; Hayden Banks, Green Party candidate, 1,207; John Jacob Woolf, Labour Party, 1,169; Jorge Richard Latter, Green Party candidate, 1,131; Chris Radway, Green Party candidate, 1,108; Jason Corke, Reform UK, 457; Laurence Glazier, Reform UK, 427; Tessa Rawcliffe, Reform UK, 421; James Robert Bacchus, Liberal Democrats, 321; Barbara Grace Smith, Liberal Democrats, 302; Henry Francis McMorrow, Liberal Democrats, 287; Michael Philip Chissick, Conservative Party Candidate, 241; Haiwei Li, Conservative Party Candidate, 194; Manuel Martinez Benito, Conservative Party Candidate, 191; Julliet Makhapila, Independent, 97; Belinda Ackermann, Independent, 78.

Clerkenwell
Result: Green won two seats; Labour won one seat
Elected: Jara Falkenburg, Green Party candidate; Ruth Hayes, Labour Party; Giulio Ferrini, Green Party candidate
Electorate: 7,044
Total votes counted: 8,056
Turnout: 43.92%
Rejected votes: 18
Majority: 26
Candidates: Jara Falkenburg, Green Party candidate, 1,146; Ruth Hayes, Labour Party, 1,141; Giulio Ferrini, Green Party candidate, 1,073; Andrew William Clark, Labour Party, 1,047; Martin Murray, Green Party candidate, 969; Ben Ian Mackmurdie, Labour Party, 949; Kevin Chun, Liberal Democrats, 404; Alessandro Bonetti, Liberal Democrats, 403; Bill Cove, Reform UK, 379; Martine Paulmier, Reform UK, 372; Jason Phillip Vickers, Liberal Democrats, 337; Karen Cooksley Hutchinson, Conservative Party Candidate, 239; Alexander Bruce Lusty, Conservative Party Candidate, 213; Mark Eldridge, Conservative Party Candidate, 141; Grant Shimmen, National Housing Party No More Refugees, 68.

Finsbury Park
Result: Green won two seats; Labour won one seat
Elected: Caroline Jane Allen, Green Party candidate; Syreen Hassan, Green Party candidate; Mick O’Sullivan, Labour Party
Electorate: 9,048
Total votes counted: 10,622
Turnout: 42.34%
Rejected votes: 69
Majority: 19
Candidates: Caroline Jane Allen, Green Party candidate, 1,288; Syreen Hassan, Green Party candidate, 1,211; Mick O’Sullivan, Labour Party, 1,194; Gulcin Ozdemir, Labour Party, 1,175; Natalie Jane Koffman, Green Party candidate, 1,113; Portia Mtwakazi Msimang, Labour Party, 1,104; Sadiq Yusuf, Independent, 763; Sharon Matthew, Independent, 636; Amu Gib, Islington Community Independents – People before Profit, 569; Jonathan Lang, Reform UK, 253; Angela Nicolaou, Reform UK, 248; Amelia Sarah Mitford, Liberal Democrats, 217; Daniel Kristen Thomas, Liberal Democrats, 177; Edwin David Smith, Liberal Democrats, 148; Stephen Mark McMinnies, Conservative Party Candidate, 180; Chris Williams, Conservative Party Candidate, 177; Pauline Lewis, Conservative Party Candidate, 169.

Highbury
Result: Green won all three seats
Elected: Benali Hamdache, Green Party candidate; Talia Hussain, Green Party candidate; Jon Robert Nott, Green Party candidate
Electorate: 9,197
Total votes counted: 13,078
Turnout: 49.58%
Rejected votes: 45
Majority: 376
Candidates: Benali Hamdache, Green Party candidate, 2,090; Talia Hussain, Green Party candidate, 2,016; Jon Robert Nott, Green Party candidate, 1,857; Alastair Harper, Labour Party, 1,481; Michael Comba, Labour Party, 1,468; Tahreen Dewan, Labour Party, 1,422; Julia Williams, Liberal Democrats, 417; Eileen Gallagher, Conservative Party Candidate, 377; Rowan Gabriel George James, Liberal Democrats, 370; Joseph Robert Wisepart, Reform UK, 354; Philip Geoffrey Kelvin, Conservative Party Candidate, 338; Paul William Symes, Liberal Democrats, 319; Andrew Somerset, Independent, 309; Carlien Sai, Conservative Party Candidate, 260.

Hillrise
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Shreya Nanda, Labour Party; Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Labour Party; Marian Spall, Labour Party
Electorate: 9,877
Total votes counted: 12,529
Turnout: 44.46%
Rejected votes: 54
Majority: 164
Candidates: Shreya Nanda, Labour Party, 1,732; Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Labour Party, 1,594; Marian Spall, Labour Party, 1,526; Mimi Virginia Rose Johnson, Green Party candidate, 1,362; Greg Foxsmith, Green Party candidate, 1,316; Liam Jones, Green Party candidate, 1,230; Alison May Stoecker, Independent, 523; Philip Anthony Hayden, Liberal Democrats, 380; Imogen Margaret Wall, Liberal Democrats, 361; Jason Devaney, Liberal Democrats, 348; Rupert Wilkinson, Independent, 328; Callum Laurence Waterhouse, Islington Community Independents – Empowering your Community, 320; Robert Drummond, Reform UK, 305; Jan Manderson, Reform UK, 271; Daniel Jude Cohen, Conservative Party Candidate, 264; David Patrick Lewis, Conservative Party Candidate, 213; William Fitzalan Howard, Conservative Party Candidate, 190; Vicky Laker, Independent, 212; Nancy Momoh, Christian Peoples Alliance, 54.

Holloway
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Jason Jackson, Labour Party; Claire Louise Zammit, Labour Party; Joe Peck, Labour Party
Electorate: 7,611
Total votes counted: 9,317
Turnout: 43.84%
Rejected votes: 27
Majority: 290
Candidates: Jason Jackson, Labour Party, 1,505; Claire Louise Zammit, Labour Party, 1,495; Joe Peck, Labour Party, 1,330; Claire Poyner, Green Party candidate, 1,040; Andrew Richard Myer, Green Party first choice candidate, 1,007; Ahmed Jaffer, Green Party candidate, 978; Christopher Nicholas-Cavendish, Reform UK, 351; Bridget Caroline Fox, Liberal Democrats, 269; Michael Scott, Conservative Party Candidate, 236; Claudine Merica Knight, Conservative Party Candidate, 221; David John Kelly, Liberal Democrats, 170; Tim Johnson, Liberal Democrats, 163; Nathaniel Jacob Meyrick Jones, Islington Community Independents – People before Profit, 150; Anahita Zardoshti, Islington Community Independents – People before Profit, 149; Nigel William Roland Watts, Conservative Party Candidate, 175; George Achilles Papadopoullos, Independent, 78.

Junction
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Sheila Marion Chapman, Labour Party; James Christopher Potts, Labour Party; Benjamin Gregg, Labour Party
Electorate: 8,452
Total votes counted: 10,487
Turnout: 42.44%
Rejected votes: 48
Majority: 122
Candidates: Sheila Marion Chapman, Labour Party, 1,544; James Christopher Potts, Labour Party, 1,348; Benjamin Gregg, Labour Party, 1,319; Florence Pollock, Green Party candidate, 1,197; Leon Graham, Green Party candidate, 1,182; Jaro Kubiak, Green Party candidate, 988; Ruth O’Dowd, Islington Community Independents – People before Profit, 354; John Clarke, Reform UK, 328; Georgia Smith, Reform UK, 302; Shaun O’Kane, Reform UK, 296; Faith Ruth Obiaka-Hayward, Islington Community Independents – People before Profit, 287; Pat Prendergast, Islington Community Independents – Empowering your Community, 267; Helen Redesdale, Liberal Democrats, 206; Nicholas Todd Brainsby, Conservative Party Candidate, 206; Oliver Bandosz, Conservative Party Candidate, 184; Ufi Ibrahim, Liberal Democrats, 170; Caspar James Tudor Woolley, Liberal Democrats, 168; Sacha Varma, Conservative Party Candidate, 141.

Laycock
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Maia Caitlin Hamilton, Labour Party; Heather Nicola Staff, Labour Party; Nurullah Turan, Labour Party
Electorate: 7,988
Total votes counted: 9,019
Turnout: 40.52%
Rejected votes: 33
Majority: 12
Candidates: Maia Caitlin Hamilton, Labour Party, 1,245; Heather Nicola Staff, Labour Party, 1,210; Nurullah Turan, Labour Party, 1,149; Joy Patricia Hinson, Green Party first choice candidate, 1,137; Rasan Naji, Green Party candidate, 890; Joseph Walker, Green Party second choice candidate, 847; Ilkay Cinko-Oner, Islington Community Independents – People before Profit, 410; Cheryl Rands, Reform UK, 387; Andrew Harrison, Conservative Party Candidate, 308; Margaret Joseph, Conservative Party Candidate, 267; Sakina Saba Chenot, Liberal Democrats, 262; Matthew Charles Grenville Dendy, Liberal Democrats, 246; Patricia Muriel Peel, Liberal Democrats, 242; Simon Philip Toms, Conservative Party Candidate, 239; John Fergus Doherty, Independent, 92; Andrew Parry, Independent, 88.

Mildmay
Result: Green won all three seats
Elected: Sophia Brown, Green Party candidate; Jackson Caines, Green Party candidate; Carlos Valero, Green Party candidate
Electorate: 9,145
Total votes counted: 11,348
Turnout: 43.34%
Rejected votes: 69
Majority: 51
Candidates: Sophia Brown, Green Party candidate, 1,885; Jackson Caines, Green Party candidate, 1,637; Carlos Valero, Green Party candidate, 1,593; Jenny Kay, Labour Party, 1,542; Santiago Bell-Bradford, Labour Party, 1,407; Angelo Ricardo Weekes, Labour Party, 1,308; Emma Smith, Reform UK, 268; Paul Piacenti, Reform UK, 267; Nadine Claire Mellor, Liberal Democrats, 234; Thomas Hamilton, Conservative Party Candidate, 231; John Wilkin, Conservative Party Candidate, 228; Alyson Prince, Conservative Party Candidate, 227; John Cotton, Liberal Democrats, 218; Percy De Vries, Liberal Democrats, 185; Ray Alcock, Independent, 118.

St Mary’s and St James’
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Hannah Victoria McHugh, Labour Party; Joseph Andrew Croft, Labour Party; Saiqa Pandor, Labour Party
Electorate: 7,710
Total votes counted: 9,960
Turnout: 45.97%
Rejected votes: 21
Majority: 200
Candidates: Hannah Victoria McHugh, Labour Party, 1,298; Joseph Andrew Croft, Labour Party, 1,223; Saiqa Pandor, Labour Party, 1,189; Christopher Allen-Procter, Green Party candidate, 989; Jackie Kay, Green Party candidate, 878; Kate Elizabeth Pothalingam, Liberal Democrats, 842; Solveig Herzum, Green Party candidate, 815; Rebecca Jones, Liberal Democrats, 774; Terry Stacy, Liberal Democrats, 734; Michael John King, Reform UK, 396; Jonathan Horsman, Conservative Party Candidate, 276; Simon William Johnson, Conservative Party Candidate, 274; Alexandra Catherine Eldridge, Conservative Party Candidate, 167; Brian Steve Potter, Independent, 105.

St Peter’s and Canalside
Result: Labour won all three seats
Elected: Martin Geoffrey Klute, Labour Party; Toby Alexander North, Labour Party; Rosaline Ifechukwude Ogunro, Labour Party
Turnout: 39.58%
Rejected votes: 36
Majority: 357
Candidates: Martin Geoffrey Klute, Labour Party, 1,193; Toby Alexander North, Labour Party, 1,166; Rosaline Ifechukwude Ogunro, Labour Party, 1,147; Bronwen Jones, Green Party candidate, 790; Alexander Gardner Gordon, Green Party candidate, 774; John Anthony Sloboda, Green Party candidate, 670; Thomas Michael Hartley, Reform UK, 440; Vanessa Margaret Carson, Conservative Party Candidate, 380; Jack Gilmore, Conservative Party Candidate, 368; Simon Miller Groom, Liberal Democrats, 306; Edward Congreve Jenkyns, Liberal Democrats, 274; James Robert Christopher Mathieson, Conservative Party Candidate, 262; Martin Kristofer Lunnon, Liberal Democrats, 247.

Tollington
Result: Green won all three seats
Elected: Elmedina Baptista-Mendes, Green Party candidate; Jonathan Ward, Green Party candidate; Alex Nettle, Green Party candidate
Electorate: 9,391
Total votes counted: 13,300
Turnout: 48.51%
Rejected votes: 66
Majority: 470
Candidates: Elmedina Baptista-Mendes, Green Party candidate, 2,262; Jonathan Ward, Green Party candidate, 2,138; Alex Nettle, Green Party candidate, 2,133; Flora Suzanne Williamson, Labour Party, 1,663; Mick Gilgunn, Labour Party, 1,618; Anjna Khurana, Labour Party, 1,610; Andrew Sean Brett Brown, Reform UK, 285; Kevin Jones, Reform UK, 271; Lidia Iwona Erlichman, Liberal Democrats, 229; Keith Richard Sharp, Liberal Democrats, 208; Sasha Cuthbert, Reform UK, 208; Kevin Gerard O’Neill, Conservative Party Candidate, 179; Nigel Timothy Seay, Conservative Party Candidate, 144; Paul Martin Smith, Liberal Democrats, 143; Abbas Hama Fatah, Conservative Party Candidate, 137.

Tufnell Park
Result: Green won all three seats
Elected: Sophia Andersson-Gylden, Green Party candidate; Devon Osborne, Green Party candidate; Sheridan Virginia Kates, Green Party candidate
Electorate: 8,590
Total votes counted: 12,465
Turnout: 49.87%
Rejected votes: 36
Majority: 361
Candidates: Sophia Andersson-Gylden, Green Party candidate, 2,106; Devon Osborne, Green Party candidate, 2,052; Sheridan Virginia Kates, Green Party candidate, 2,014; Satnam Gill, Labour Party, 1,653; Jenevieve Marie Treadwell, Labour Party, 1,466; Buffy Sharpe, Labour Party, 1,432; Paul Smith, Reform UK, 300; Dominic Rayner, Reform UK, 298; Susan Mary Atkinson, Liberal Democrats, 235; Axel Michael Koelsch, Liberal Democrats, 222; Margaret Emily Currie, Conservative Party Candidate, 199; Rupert Bertram Redesdale, Liberal Democrats, 181; Stephen Andrew Kreppel, Conservative Party Candidate, 156; Regan Blanton King, Conservative Party Candidate, 151.

11/05/2026
2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Isle of Wight Council

2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Isle of Wight Council

Isle of Wight Council
Council type: unitary authority. The Isle of Wight Council describes itself as a unitary authority, meaning it carries out both county-level and district-level functions.

Election: Isle of Wight Council local election, Thursday 7 May 2026
Seats contested: 39
Overall control/status: no overall control
Overall turnout calculated from ward declarations: 43.57%
Total electorate: 110,666
Total ballot papers issued: 48,218

Seat summary:

Reform UK: 19
Independent / Island Independent Network: 11
Liberal Democrat: 4
Local Conservatives: 2
The Green Party: 2
Labour Party: 1

Bembridge
Result: Liberal Democrat gain
Elected: Mark Rochell, Liberal Democrat
Electorate: 3,134
Ballot papers issued: 1,703
Turnout: 54.34%
Rejected ballots: 8
Majority: 101
Candidates: Mark Rochell, Liberal Democrat, 643; Warren Adam Drew, Local Conservatives, 542; Rowena Katharine Crichton-Stuart, Reform UK, 510.

Binstead and Fishbourne
Result: Independent hold
Elected: Ian William Dore, Independent
Electorate: 2,922
Ballot papers issued: 1,544
Turnout: 52.84%
Rejected ballots: 1
Majority: 580
Candidates: Ian William Dore, Independent, 894; Terence Wing, Reform UK, 314; Ramesh Babu Chandrabhan Singh, Local Conservatives, 242; Alice Walker, The Green Party, 93.

Brading and St Helens
Result: Independent hold
Elected: Jonathan Francis Bacon, Independent
Electorate: 2,726
Ballot papers issued: 1,241
Turnout: 45.52%
Rejected ballots: 9
Majority: 400
Candidates: Jonathan Francis Bacon, Independent, 780; Elisheva-Atarah Hill, Reform UK, 380; Alexander Buggie, Labour Party, 72.

Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet
Result: Liberal Democrat gain
Elected: Marc Nicholas Donald Stuart, Liberal Democrat
Electorate: 2,633
Ballot papers issued: 1,466
Turnout: 55.68%
Rejected ballots: 3
Majority: 328
Candidates: Marc Nicholas Donald Stuart, Liberal Democrat, 797; Vincent Hamilton Speed, Reform UK, 469; Kim Frances Jeffreys, Local Conservatives, 160; Edward Lawrence Surridge, Independent, 37.

Carisbrooke and Gunville
Result: Green hold
Elected: Victoria Lowthion, The Green Party
Electorate: 2,867
Ballot papers issued: 1,221
Turnout: 42.59%
Rejected ballots: 5
Majority: 166
Candidates: Victoria Lowthion, The Green Party, 565; James Robert Downard, Reform UK, 399; Mark Ian Reen, Local Conservatives, 252.

Central Rural
Result: Reform UK hold
Elected: James Joseph Whelan, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,997
Ballot papers issued: 1,449
Turnout: 48.35%
Rejected ballots: 0
Majority: 241
Candidates: James Joseph Whelan, Reform UK, 613; Simon James Richards, Conservatives, 372; Julia Ann Laursen, The Green Party, 352; Caroline Anne Gladwin, Independent, 112.

Chale, Niton and Shorwell
Result: Green hold
Elected: Claire Leah Critchison, The Green Party
Electorate: 2,909
Ballot papers issued: 1,595
Turnout: 54.83%
Rejected ballots: 6
Majority: 316
Candidates: Claire Leah Critchison, The Green Party, 822; Mark Nigh, Reform UK, 506; Anne Bishop, Local Conservatives, 261.

Cowes Medina
Result: Independent hold
Elected: Lora Jane Peacey-Wilcox, Independent
Electorate: 3,024
Ballot papers issued: 1,120
Turnout: 37.04%
Rejected ballots: 3
Majority: 181
Candidates: Lora Jane Peacey-Wilcox, Independent, 499; Jonathan Michael Hall, Reform UK, 318; Daniel James Jeffries-Revert, The Green Party, 214; Oscar Bicket, Local Conservatives, 66; Rachel Shereen Thacker, Independent, 20.

Cowes North
Result: Labour gain
Elected: John Rafferty, Labour Party
Electorate: 2,792
Ballot papers issued: 1,236
Turnout: 44.27%
Rejected ballots: 4
Majority: 75
Candidates: John Rafferty, Labour Party, 439; Richard Edmunds Hollis, Independent, 364; Siobhan Michelle Barney, Local Conservatives, 223; Ian Arnold, Reform UK, 206.

Cowes South and Northwood
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: James Gordon Adam, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,847
Ballot papers issued: 1,279
Turnout: 44.92%
Rejected ballots: 4
Majority: 30
Candidates: James Gordon Adam, Reform UK, 393; John Ulysses Anthony Nicholson, Local Conservatives, 363; Monique Louise Gallop, Independent, 292; Wayne Doidge, Labour Party, 121; Robert Frank Packham, Liberal Democrat, 106.

Cowes West and Gurnard
Result: Independent hold
Elected: Paul Andrew Fuller, Independent
Electorate: 2,967
Ballot papers issued: 1,558
Turnout: 52.51%
Rejected ballots: 4
Majority: 898
Candidates: Paul Andrew Fuller, Independent, 1,173; Susan Whitewood, Reform UK, 275; Phillip Andrew Sanders, Local Conservatives, 106.

East Cowes
Result: Independent hold
Elected: Karl Love, Independent
Electorate: 3,125
Ballot papers issued: 1,530
Turnout: 48.96%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 516
Candidates: Karl Love, Independent, 876; Mark Andrew Stone, Reform UK, 360; Peter Ronald Ball, Local Conservatives, 156; Christopher Byron Warleigh-Lack, The Green Party, 136.

Fairlee and Whippingham
Result: Conservative hold
Elected: Matthew Price, Local Conservatives
Electorate: 2,882
Ballot papers issued: 1,234
Turnout: 42.82%
Rejected ballots: 5
Majority: 222
Candidates: Matthew Price, Local Conservatives, 602; John Wilson, Reform UK, 380; Sophus Magill, The Green Party, 168; Patricia Margaret Packham, Liberal Democrat, 79.

Freshwater North and Yarmouth
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Deborah Jacqueline Conlin, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,602
Ballot papers issued: 1,246
Turnout: 47.89%
Rejected ballots: 1
Majority: 17
Candidates: Deborah Jacqueline Conlin, Reform UK, 422; David John Whistance, Independent, 405; Timothy John Jeffreys, Local Conservatives, 197; Florence Sarlat, The Green Party, 165; Simon Bevis Ayre, Labour Party, 56.

Freshwater South
Result: Independent hold
Elected: Rebecca Ewen Una Mary Cameron, Independent
Electorate: 2,983
Ballot papers issued: 1,433
Turnout: 48.04%
Rejected ballots: 3
Majority: 518
Candidates: Rebecca Ewen Una Mary Cameron, Independent, 913; Iain Sydney Pickering, Reform UK, 395; Peta Adrienne Stevenson, The Green Party, 89; Greta Lynne Farian, Labour Party, 33.

Haylands and Swanmore
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Leslie Graham Kirkby, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,775
Ballot papers issued: 1,073
Turnout: 38.67%
Rejected ballots: 1
Majority: 234
Candidates: Leslie Graham Kirkby, Reform UK, 437; Peter Douglas Cameron Banks, The Green Party, 203; Vanessa Claire Churchman, Local Conservatives, 200; Sandra Gay Stephens, Independent, 128; Malcolm Ross, Liberal Democrat, 69; Simon Peter Haytack, Labour Party, 35.

Lake North
Result: Reform UK hold
Elected: William John Nigh, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,744
Ballot papers issued: 1,078
Turnout: 39.29%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 34
Candidates: William John Nigh, Reform UK, 421; Adrian Charles Whittaker, Local Conservatives, 387; Robert Harrison Blezzard, Liberal Democrat, 176; Jennifer Anne Hicks, Labour Party, 92.

Lake South
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Rosalind Jean Freeman, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,745
Ballot papers issued: 1,245
Turnout: 45.36%
Rejected ballots: 0
Majority: 86
Candidates: Rosalind Jean Freeman, Reform UK, 517; Paul James Brading, Local Conservatives, 431; Harry Eccles, The Green Party, 224; Finton Anthony Burns, Labour Party, 73.

Mountjoy and Shide
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Richard Quinn, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,692
Ballot papers issued: 1,022
Turnout: 37.96%
Rejected ballots: 0
Majority: 121
Candidates: Richard Quinn, Reform UK, 368; Martin Peter Oliver, Local Conservatives, 247; Stephen James Rushbrook, The Green Party, 185; Raymond John Harrington-Vail, Liberal Democrat, 130; Alan Hunter, Labour Party, 92.

Nettlestone and Seaview
Result: Independent gain
Elected: Julia Jasmin Tomlinson Hayward, Independent
Electorate: 2,362
Ballot papers issued: 1,225
Turnout: 51.86%
Rejected ballots: 0
Majority: 175
Candidates: Julia Jasmin Tomlinson Hayward, Independent, 542; Vyasa Chandra Mouli Akundi, Local Conservatives, 367; Jennifer Holmes, Reform UK, 251; Janet Mace, The Green Party, 65.

Newchurch, Havenstreet and Ashey
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Anthony John Barry, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,896
Ballot papers issued: 1,414
Turnout: 48.83%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 241
Candidates: Anthony John Barry, Reform UK, 638; Rajesh Patel, Local Conservatives, 397; Judith Rebekah Brown, The Green Party, 330; Anna Maria Beach, Labour Party, 47.

Newport Central
Result: Independent hold
Elected: Julie Marie Jones-Evans, Independent
Electorate: 2,716
Ballot papers issued: 914
Turnout: 33.65%
Rejected ballots: 3
Majority: 198
Candidates: Julie Marie Jones-Evans, Independent, 440; James Emerson Maguire, Reform UK, 242; Norman Arnold, Liberal Democrat, 178; Stephen Bird, Local Conservatives, 51.

Newport West
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Francis Joseph Brown, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,807
Ballot papers issued: 1,123
Turnout: 40.01%
Rejected ballots: 7
Majority: 67
Candidates: Francis Joseph Brown, Reform UK, 442; Chris Mace, The Green Party, 375; Raymond Stephen Redrup, Local Conservatives, 299.

Osborne
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Paul Williams, Reform UK
Electorate: 3,218
Ballot papers issued: 1,140
Turnout: 35.43%
Rejected ballots: 4
Majority: 119
Candidates: Paul Williams, Reform UK, 389; Tracy Cathleen Reardon, Independent, 270; Stephen Colin Hendry, Local Conservatives, 226; Julie Ann Burridge, Liberal Democrat, 162; Michael Paler, Independent, 89.

Pan and Barton
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Martin John Bower, Reform UK
Electorate: 3,213
Ballot papers issued: 866
Turnout: 26.95%
Rejected ballots: 6
Majority: 31
Candidates: Martin John Bower, Reform UK, 397; Stephen John Reading, Labour Party, 366; Brian George Tyndall, Local Conservatives, 97.

Parkhurst and Hunnyhill
Result: Liberal Democrat hold
Elected: Andrew Charles William Garratt, Liberal Democrat
Electorate: 2,695
Ballot papers issued: 902
Turnout: 33.47%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 202
Candidates: Andrew Charles William Garratt, Liberal Democrat, 551; Alan Robert Stay, Reform UK, 349.

Ryde Appley and Elmfield
Result: Liberal Democrat hold
Elected: Michael Lilley, Liberal Democrat
Electorate: 3,028
Ballot papers issued: 1,300
Turnout: 42.93%
Rejected ballots: 6
Majority: 362
Candidates: Michael Lilley, Liberal Democrat, 781; Ross Caruana, Reform UK, 419; Abdul Mateen, Local Conservatives, 94.

Ryde Monktonmead
Result: Island Independent Network hold
Elected: Karen Theresa Lucioni, Island Independent Network
Electorate: 2,902
Ballot papers issued: 1,127
Turnout: 38.84%
Rejected ballots: 4
Majority: 50
Candidates: Karen Theresa Lucioni, Island Independent Network, 404; Christopher Ian Brown, Reform UK, 354; Matthew John Walker, The Green Party, 269; Susan Joan Maddison, Local Conservatives, 96.

Ryde North West
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Reuben Burns Loake, Reform UK
Electorate: 3,048
Ballot papers issued: 1,171
Turnout: 38.42%
Rejected ballots: 4
Majority: 62
Candidates: Reuben Burns Loake, Reform UK, 401; Peter Burke, The Green Party, 339; Philip Jordan, Independent, 255; Alois Frantisek Joseph Temel, Local Conservatives, 172.

Ryde South East
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Christopher Stephen Way, Reform UK
Electorate: 1,718
Ballot papers issued: 540
Turnout: 31.43%
Rejected ballots: 0
Majority: 70
Candidates: Christopher Stephen Way, Reform UK, 223; Jennifer Sara Hughes, Liberal Democrat, 153; Richard Eric Collins, The Green Party, 82; Stephen Alexander Neil Double, Labour Party, 40; Andrew Timothy Clayton, Local Conservatives, 30; Geraldine Higgins, Island Independent Network, 12.

Ryde West
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Owen Potter, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,586
Ballot papers issued: 962
Turnout: 37.20%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 80
Candidates: Owen Potter, Reform UK, 355; Ethan Luke Mackay Cass, The Green Party, 275; Ian Rodney Stephens, Island Independent Network, 273; Carol Ann Brown, Local Conservatives, 57.

Sandown North
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Robert Sean Newton, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,629
Ballot papers issued: 1,090
Turnout: 41.46%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 94
Candidates: Robert Sean Newton, Reform UK, 419; Alexander Lawson Lightfoot, Independent, 325; Debra Mary Andre, Independent, 140; Joan Solomon, Local Conservatives, 91; Cinnamon Noakes, The Green Party, 76; Clive James Cheetham, Labour Party, 37.

Sandown South
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Francis Anthony Baldry, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,710
Ballot papers issued: 984
Turnout: 36.31%
Rejected ballots: 3
Majority: 89
Candidates: Francis Anthony Baldry, Reform UK, 358; Patrick Lawson Lightfoot, Independent, 269; Ian David Ward, Local Conservatives, 216; Christie Louise Greenaway, The Green Party, 96; Emily Brothers, Labour Party, 42.

Shanklin Central
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Stephen Charles Reynolds, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,815
Ballot papers issued: 1,206
Turnout: 42.84%
Rejected ballots: 3
Majority: 1
Candidates: Stephen Charles Reynolds, Reform UK, 356; Michael Thomas Frank Beston, Local Conservatives, 355; Robert May, The Green Party, 276; Sarah Jane Morris, Independent, 216.

Shanklin South
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: David John Llewellyn, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,958
Ballot papers issued: 1,416
Turnout: 47.87%
Rejected ballots: 2
Majority: 107
Candidates: David John Llewellyn, Reform UK, 526; Christopher William Quirk, Local Conservatives, 419; Billy James Richard Hill, Independent, 195; Wendy Fay Cooper, The Green Party, 188; Christopher Thomas Lloyd, Labour and Co-operative Party, 86.

Totland and Colwell
Result: Independent hold
Elected: Christopher Whitland Jarman, Independent
Electorate: 3,167
Ballot papers issued: 1,546
Turnout: 48.82%
Rejected ballots: 0
Majority: 375
Candidates: Christopher Whitland Jarman, Independent, 797; Thomas Alan Bignell, Reform UK, 422; John Stephen Hoath, The Green Party, 126; Michelle Abbott, Local Conservatives, 114; Paul Geraint Pugh, Labour Party, 60; Eric James Gray, Liberal Democrat, 27.

Ventnor and St Lawrence
Result: Conservative hold
Elected: Edward James Blake, Local Conservatives
Electorate: 2,967
Ballot papers issued: 1,383
Turnout: 46.61%
Rejected ballots: 9
Majority: 322
Candidates: Edward James Blake, Local Conservatives, 627; Craig Dabbs, Reform UK, 305; Linda Jefferies, Island Independent Network, 239; Robin Frederick Jarvis, Labour Party, 149; Graham James Mark Perks, Vectis Party, 54.

Wootton Bridge
Result: Reform UK gain
Elected: Anthony Raffe, Reform UK
Electorate: 2,835
Ballot papers issued: 1,274
Turnout: 44.94%
Rejected ballots: 1
Majority: 194
Candidates: Anthony Raffe, Reform UK, 485; Charles Edward Hopper, Local Conservatives, 291; Anthony Victor Zeid, Liberal Democrat, 208; Susan Betts, The Green Party, 141; Linda Pauline Pitcher, Vectis Party, 128; Elisabeth Kaleid Williams, Independent, 20.

Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch
Result: Island Independent Network hold
Elected: Mark Jefferies, Island Independent Network
Electorate: 3,030
Ballot papers issued: 1,362
Turnout: 44.95%
Rejected ballots: 5
Majority: 295
Candidates: Mark Jefferies, Island Independent Network, 621; Ruby Monteath, Reform UK, 326; David John Groocock, Local Conservatives, 234; Jonathan Howard Idle, The Green Party, 176.

11/05/2026