Author: admin

  • 2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Adur District Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Adur District Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Adur District Council

    Adur District Council
    Election: Adur District Council election, Thursday 7 May 2026
    Seats contested: 14
    Overall control/status: Labour retained control. The council said its post-election composition was Labour 17, Reform UK 6, Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association 2, Greens 2 and Independent Group 2.
    Seat summary from the 14 wards contested: Reform UK 6, Labour 5, Green 1, Independent Group 1, Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association 1.

    Buckingham
    Result: Labour gain
    Elected: David Joseph Devoy, Labour
    Turnout: 53.70%
    Majority: 239
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 6
    Candidates: David Joseph Devoy, Labour, 632; David Stephen Cotton, Reform UK, 393; Kevin Boram, Conservative, 364; Gabe Crisp, Green, 159; William Harpley, Liberal Democrats, 95.

    Churchill
    Result: Reform UK gain
    Elected: Mike Mendoza, Reform UK
    Turnout: 45.13%
    Majority: 71
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 8
    Candidates: Mike Mendoza, Reform UK, 459; Steve Neocleous, Independent, 388; Vikki Fryer, Labour, 225; Stuart Ian Richardson, Green, 194; Tony Nicklen, Conservative, 157; Ashley Ridley, Liberal Democrats, 122.

    Cokeham
    Result: Reform UK gain
    Elected: Jim Doubtfire, Reform UK
    Turnout: 44.53%
    Majority: 347
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 9
    Candidates: Jim Doubtfire, Reform UK, 650; Tony Bellasis, Conservative, 303; Alun Wynne Jones, Labour, 270; Adam Alexander Baxter, Green, 201; David Thompson, Liberal Democrats, 97.

    Eastbrook
    Result: Labour hold
    Elected: David John Lovelidge, Labour
    Turnout: 42.43%
    Majority: 122
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 8
    Candidates: David John Lovelidge, Labour, 501; Joby Pannell, Reform UK, 379; Kelvin Howard Fry, Conservative, 219; Patrick George Ginnelly, Green, 219; Jacqueline Bartram, Liberal Democrats, 70.

    Hillside
    Result: Reform UK gain
    Elected: Rhys Bradley Grinstead, Reform UK
    Turnout: 40.61%
    Majority: 118
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 8
    Candidates: Rhys Bradley Grinstead, Reform UK, 463; Pat McGrath, Labour, 345; Leila Yasmin Powell Williams, Conservative, 343; Declan Michael Alfred Decke, Green, 208.

    Manor
    Result: Independent hold
    Elected: Carol Albury, Independent
    Turnout: 49.02%
    Majority: 126
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 10
    Candidates: Carol Albury, Independent, 599; Mark Grahame Burton, Reform UK, 473; Jude Harvey, Labour, 221; Effy Walsh, Green, 221; Cheikh Amed Tidiane Gueye, Liberal Democrats, 51.

    Marine
    Result: Independent hold
    Elected: Julia Watts, Independent
    Turnout: 57.79%
    Majority: 466
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 11
    Candidates: Julia Watts, Independent, 997; Troy Wade, Green, 531; Paul Garrett, Reform UK, 289; Pat Alden, Labour, 178; Neville James Pressley, Liberal Democrats, 52.

    Mash Barn
    Result: Labour hold
    Elected: Lee Cowen, Labour
    Turnout: 43.79%
    Majority: 33
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 5
    Candidates: Lee Cowen, Labour, 631; Victoria Charlotte Fairman, Reform UK, 598; Susan Fry, Conservative, 183; Katie Piatt, Green, 165; Carolyn White, Liberal Democrats, 62.

    Peverel
    Result: Reform UK gain
    Elected: Stuart Parsons, Reform UK
    Turnout: 42.21%
    Majority: 281
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 7
    Candidates: Stuart Parsons, Reform UK, 548; Matt Fry, Conservative, 267; Henry Herbert Allinson, Labour, 261; Saffi Price, Green, 194; Paul Mansfield, Independent, 154.

    Southlands
    Result: Reform UK gain
    Elected: Nigel David Hepworth, Reform UK
    Turnout: 41.13%
    Majority: 80
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 22
    Candidates: Nigel David Hepworth, Reform UK, 456; Peter Ashley, Labour, 376; Maggie Rumble, Green, 251; Keith Humphrey, Liberal Democrats, 188.

    Southwick Green
    Result: Labour hold
    Elected: Dan Flower, Labour
    Turnout: 46.39%
    Majority: 348
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 5
    Candidates: Dan Flower, Labour, 674; Stuart Bower, Reform UK, 326; Julie Anne Searle, Conservative, 265; Helen Mears, Green, 231; Anthony Charles Stuart, Liberal Democrats, 79.

    St Mary’s
    Result: Labour hold
    Elected: Jeremy Gardner, Labour and Co-operative
    Turnout: 48.06%
    Majority: 408
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 8
    Candidates: Jeremy Gardner, Labour and Co-operative, 839; Angie Buhl-Nielsen, Green, 431; Kate Michaela, Reform UK, 367; Maryam Shapouri, Conservative, 194; Dawn Rowatt, Liberal Democrats, 95.

    St Nicolas
    Result: Green hold
    Elected: Liam John Brook Tidy, Green
    Turnout: 58.69%
    Majority: 416
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 4
    Candidates: Liam John Brook Tidy, Green, 770; Jennifer Sarah Mendoza, Reform UK, 354; Bob Towner, Conservative, 306; Kathryn Elizabeth Upton, Labour, 295; Ian Jones, Liberal Democrats, 162.

    Widewater
    Result: Reform UK gain
    Elected: Joe Pannell, Reform UK
    Turnout: 45.31%
    Majority: 507
    Rejected/invalid ballots: 37
    Candidates: Joe Pannell, Reform UK, 945; Connor James Ranahan, Green, 438; Joseph James O’Halloran, Labour, 423; Samantha Eaton, Liberal Democrats, 280.

  • 2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Oxford City Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Oxford City Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Oxford City Council

    Oxford City Council
    Election: Oxford City Council election, Thursday 7 May 2026
    Seats contested: all 24 wards
    Results declared: 24 of 24 wards
    Overall turnout: 43.5%
    Overall control/status: Labour remained the largest party, with the post-election political composition listed by the council as Labour 20, Green 13, Liberal Democrat 9, Independent Oxford Alliance 4 and Real Independents 2.

    Seat summary from the 24 wards contested:

    Labour / Labour and Co-operative: 10
    Green: 9
    Liberal Democrats: 4
    Independent: 1
    Reform UK: 0
    Conservative: 0
    Independent Oxford Alliance: 0
    Workers Party: 0
    Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition: 0

    Barton and Sandhills
    Result: Labour and Co-operative HOLD
    Elected: Mike Rowley, Labour and Co-operative Party
    Turnout: 33.9%
    Rejected ballots: 4
    Majority: 242
    Candidates: Mike Rowley, Labour and Co-operative Party, 578; Felix Peter Bloomfield, Reform UK, 336; Tariq Saeed, Green Party, 237; Artwell, Independent, 165; Vernon Porter, The Conservative Party Candidate, 124; Paul Rogers, Liberal Democrat, 96; Boris Fedorov, Workers Party, 29.

    Blackbird Leys
    Result: Labour and Co-operative HOLD
    Elected: Lubna Arshad, Labour and Co-operative Party
    Turnout: 29.7%
    Rejected ballots: 9
    Majority: 251
    Candidates: Lubna Arshad, Labour and Co-operative Party, 588; Kornel Schesztak, Reform UK, 337; Indigo Haynes, Green Party, 151; Fay Lana Sims, The Conservative Party Candidate, 71; Alexandrine Kantor, Liberal Democrat, 49; James Morbin, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 17.

    Carfax and Jericho
    Result: Green HOLD
    Elected: Sushila Devi Dhall, Green Party
    Turnout: 48.9%
    Rejected ballots: 12
    Majority: 288
    Candidates: Sushila Devi Dhall, Green Party, 811; Alex Hollingsworth, Labour and Co-operative Party, 523; John Orrell Howson, Liberal Democrats, 123; Harriet Georgia Sophie Dolby, The Conservative Party Candidate, 84; Vittorio Peter Cuneo-Flood, Reform UK, 75.

    Churchill
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Susan Woolford Brown, Labour Party
    Turnout: 29.5%
    Rejected ballots: 11
    Majority: 173
    Candidates: Susan Woolford Brown, Labour Party, 570; Ines Carmen Wilhelm, Green Party, 397; Michael Sakkalli, Reform UK, 231; Tim Patmore, The Conservative Party Candidate, 133; Peter Charles Coggins, Liberal Democrat, 75.

    Cowley
    Result: Green GAIN
    Elected: Edward Mundy, Green Party
    Turnout: 45.5%
    Rejected ballots: 8
    Majority: 466
    Candidates: Edward Mundy, Green Party, 1,031; Ajaz Ur Rehman, Independent, 565; Michael William Boyd, Labour Party, 291; Ian Szwajca, Reform UK, 219; George Busby, Liberal Democrat, 69; Andrea Louise Stephenson, The Conservative Party Candidate, 58.

    Cutteslowe and Sunnymead
    Result: Liberal Democrat HOLD
    Elected: Laurence George Fouweather, Liberal Democrats
    Turnout: 48.1%
    Rejected ballots: 13
    Majority: 648
    Candidates: Laurence George Fouweather, Liberal Democrats, 1,044; Andrea Schiavi, Green Party, 396; David John Cunningham, The Conservative Party Candidate, 388; Nancy Lynn Cartwright, Labour Party, 351; Michael William Andrews, Reform UK, 165.

    Donnington
    Result: Green HOLD
    Elected: Rosie Rawle, Green Party
    Turnout: 43.3%
    Rejected ballots: 7
    Majority: 518
    Candidates: Rosie Rawle, Green Party, 986; Saqib Faradoon, Independent, 468; Ralph Amory Noble, Labour and Co-operative Party, 267; Anna Marie Avila Taylor, Reform UK, 109; Graham Roderick Jones, Liberal Democrat, 58; Simon James Bazley, The Conservative Party Candidate, 41.

    Headington
    Result: Liberal Democrat HOLD
    Elected: Christopher Stephen Frederick Smowton, Liberal Democrat
    Turnout: 48.8%
    Rejected ballots: 12
    Majority: 416
    Candidates: Christopher Stephen Frederick Smowton, Liberal Democrat, 927; Emily Lygo, Labour Party, 511; Neil Doig, Green Party, 422; James Peter Jackson, The Conservative Party Candidate, 185; Sandhya Sunkara, Reform UK, 181.

    Headington Hill and Northway
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: James Taylor, Labour Party
    Turnout: 40.1%
    Rejected ballots: 3
    Majority: 223
    Candidates: James Taylor, Labour Party, 650; Nasreen Majeed, Independent Oxford Alliance, 427; Sam Alston, Green Party, 238; Tenson Jacob, Reform UK, 137; George Edward Silvanus Robinson, The Conservative Party Candidate, 85; Eleonore Rebekka Vogel, Liberal Democrat, 48; Agnieszka Kowalska, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 8.

    Hinksey Park
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Siobhan Ann Lancaster, Labour Party
    Turnout: 47.8%
    Rejected ballots: 7
    Majority: 347
    Candidates: Siobhan Ann Lancaster, Labour Party, 1,012; Hannah Scott, Green Party, 665; Rick Tanner, Liberal Democrat, 127; Geoffrey Brian Ager, Reform UK, 122; Amy Olivia Campbell, The Conservative Party Candidate, 107.

    Holywell
    Result: Green HOLD
    Elected: Alfie Davis, Green Party
    Turnout: 46%
    Rejected ballots: 8
    Majority: 622
    Candidates: Alfie Davis, Green Party, 808; Awab Ramadan Yahia Kazuz, Labour Party, 186; Ian Corthan Bearder, Liberal Democrats, 120; Harry Richardson, The Conservative Party Candidate, 75.

    Littlemore
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Tiago Corais, Labour Party
    Turnout: 38.1%
    Rejected ballots: 5
    Majority: 326
    Candidates: Tiago Corais, Labour Party, 726; David Stares, no description listed, 400; Tamsin Sky Tristram Blaxter, Green Party, 251; James Charles Baker, Reform UK, 210; Daniel Stafford, The Conservative Party Candidate, 89; Liz Wood, Liberal Democrat, 27.

    Lye Valley
    Result: Green GAIN
    Elected: James Richard Harry Thorniley, Green Party
    Turnout: 35.6%
    Rejected ballots: 12
    Majority: 26
    Candidates: James Richard Harry Thorniley, Green Party, 500; Stephen Douglas Harwood, Labour Party, 474; Jakub Zagdanski, Reform UK, 248; Gary William Dixon, The Conservative Party Candidate, 124; Maria Bourbon, Liberal Democrat, 76.

    Marston
    Result: Green HOLD
    Elected: Kate Josephine Robinson, Green Party
    Turnout: 51.78%
    Rejected ballots: 2
    Majority: 220
    Candidates: Kate Josephine Robinson, Green Party, 969; Emily Frances Scaysbrook, Independent Oxford Alliance, 749; Charlotte Louise Vinnicombe, Labour Party, 369; Richard Lewin, Reform UK, 146; Duncan Valentine Hatfield, The Conservative Party Candidate, 69; Andy McKay, Liberal Democrat, 44.

    Northfield Brook
    Result: Labour and Co-operative HOLD
    Elected: Trish Elphinstone, Labour and Co-operative Party
    Turnout: 27.4%
    Rejected ballots: 9
    Majority: 121
    Candidates: Trish Elphinstone, Labour and Co-operative Party, 488; Dianne Copestake, Reform UK, 367; David Newman, Green Party, 207; Paul John Sims, The Conservative Party Candidate, 82; Rosemary Anne Beatrice Morlin, Liberal Democrat, 62.

    Osney and St Thomas
    Result: Green HOLD
    Elected: Lois Knight Muddiman, Green Party
    Turnout: 42.9%
    Rejected ballots: 6
    Majority: 318
    Candidates: Lois Knight Muddiman, Green Party, 912; David Calonge, Labour Party, 594; Rose-Marie Wheeler, Reform UK, 114; Louis Watteau Williams, The Conservative Party Candidate, 101; Harry Roy Morgan, Liberal Democrats, 84.

    Quarry and Risinghurst
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Chewe Edgar Munkonge, Labour Party
    Turnout: 50.1%
    Rejected ballots: 8
    Majority: 375
    Candidates: Chewe Edgar Munkonge, Labour Party, 943; Kai Ruediger Zolleis, Liberal Democrat, 568; Stephen Robert Hurt, Green Party, 344; Alison Kahn, Independent Oxford Alliance, 317; Cristina Parau, Reform UK, 255; Edmund Charles Annandale Johnstone, The Conservative Party Candidate, 96.

    Rose Hill and Iffley
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Edward Owen Turner, Labour Party
    Turnout: 44.9%
    Rejected ballots: 8
    Majority: 494
    Candidates: Edward Owen Turner, Labour Party, 952; Zack Iqbal, Independent Oxford Alliance, 458; Luke Barbanneau, Green Party, 299; Prudence Mary Prior Dailey, Reform UK, 203; Suresh Lal, The Conservative Party Candidate, 60; Geraldine Anne Coggins, Liberal Democrat, 59.

    St Clement’s
    Result: Green HOLD
    Elected: Ahalya Bala, Green Party
    Turnout: 39%
    Rejected ballots: 5
    Majority: 472
    Candidates: Ahalya Bala, Green Party, 875; Thomas Ayudthaya Boyd, Labour and Co-operative Party, 403; Martin Young, Reform UK, 88; Vinay Raniga, The Conservative Party Candidate, 72; Pippa Hitchcock, Liberal Democrat, 65.

    St Mary’s
    Result: Green HOLD
    Elected: Emily Jane Elisabeth Kerr, Green Party
    Turnout: 31.4%
    Rejected ballots: 16
    Majority: 681
    Candidates: Emily Jane Elisabeth Kerr, Green Party, 1,154; Toby Stephen William James, Labour Party, 473; Richard Whelan, Liberal Democrat, 105; Paula Jane Macfarlane, Reform UK, 86; Gloria Croxall, The Conservative Party Candidate, 82.

    Summertown
    Result: Liberal Democrat HOLD
    Elected: Katherine Sarah Miles, Liberal Democrats
    Turnout: 50%
    Rejected ballots: 2
    Majority: 350
    Candidates: Katherine Sarah Miles, Liberal Democrats, 836; Freda Janet Wolfenden, Labour Party, 486; James Hewett, Green Party, 318; Christopher David Edward Fox, The Conservative Party Candidate, 254; Fee Yin, Reform UK, 96.

    Temple Cowley
    Result: Independent HOLD
    Elected: Saj Malik, Independent
    Turnout: 37.4%
    Rejected ballots: 3
    Majority: 165
    Candidates: Saj Malik, Independent, 700; Heather Laura Stallard, Green Party, 535; Joseph Robert McManners, Labour Party, 331; Michael Sargent, Reform UK, 109; Tony Brett, Liberal Democrat, 69; Patricia Gwendoline Mary Jones, The Conservative Party Candidate, 39.

    Walton Manor
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Louise Upton, Labour Party
    Turnout: 50.6%
    Rejected ballots: 5
    Majority: 221
    Candidates: Louise Upton, Labour Party, 664; Joanne Louise Bowlt, Liberal Democrats, 443; Zelalemawee Asheber, Green Party, 422; Penelope Anne Lenon, The Conservative Party Candidate, 134; David Charles Lincoln, Reform UK, 60.

    Wolvercote
    Result: Liberal Democrat HOLD
    Elected: Elizabeth Asabea Abena Turkson Wood, Liberal Democrats
    Turnout: 54.4%
    Rejected ballots: 5
    Majority: 337
    Candidates: Elizabeth Asabea Abena Turkson Wood, Liberal Democrats, 908; Richard Peter Garbutt, Independent Oxford Alliance, 571; Cristina Palamini, Green Party, 308; Bev Humberstone, Labour Party, 124; Stuart David Jolley, Reform UK, 114; Paul Dean Morris, The Conservative Party Candidate, 88.

  • 2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

    Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
    Election: Local election, Thursday 7 May 2026
    Seats contested: 20 of 60
    Overall turnout: 46.6%
    Overall control/status: no overall control. Labour remained the largest party after the election, but Reform UK made 13 gains and moved to 16 seats on the council. The reported post-election council composition was Labour 18, Reform UK 16, The Oldham Group Party 10, Liberal Democrats 6, Conservatives 4, Failsworth Independent Party 1 and other independents 5.

    Seat summary from the 20 wards contested:

    Reform UK: 13
    Labour / Labour and Co-operative: 3
    The Oldham Group Party: 2
    Liberal Democrats: 1
    Independent: 1
    Conservative: 0
    Green: 0

    Alexandra
    Result: The Oldham Group Party GAIN
    Elected: Shabir Hussain, The Oldham Group Party
    Turnout: 45.01%
    Majority: 563
    Candidates: Shabir Hussain, The Oldham Group Party, 1,552; Shaid Mushtaq, Labour and Co-operative Party, 989; Susan Brown, Reform UK, 689; Andrea Chaverra Valencia, Green Party, 228; Martin Alexander Dinoff, Liberal Democrats, 85; Carol Hardie, Independent, 46; Anne Taylor, Independent Northern Heart Oldham, 29.

    Chadderton Central
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Nazrul Islam, Labour Party
    Turnout: 44.72%
    Majority: 200
    Candidates: Nazrul Islam, Labour Party, 1,215; Alexander David William Lomas, Reform UK, 1,015; Mohammed Razon, Independent, 892; Suleman Hussain, Green Party, 456; Katie Helen Gloster, Liberal Democrats, 149; Iryna Kantorova, Conservative Party Candidate, 88.

    Chadderton North
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Jon Ford, Reform UK
    Turnout: 47.27%
    Majority: 1,159
    Candidates: Jon Ford, Reform UK, 2,107; Colin McLaren, Labour Party Candidate, 948; Paul Alexander Singleton, Green Party, 502; Darren Lyon, Conservative Party Candidate, 285; Prem Raghvani, Liberal Democrats, 141.

    Chadderton South
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Rob Jackson, Reform UK
    Turnout: 41.8%
    Majority: 1,124
    Candidates: Rob Jackson, Reform UK, 1,833; Kyle Phythian, Labour and Co-operative Party, 709; Stephanie Anne Beverley, Green Party, 539; Muhammad Irfan, The Oldham Group Party, 351; Stephen Davenport, Conservative Party Candidate, 256; Brian Witt, Liberal Democrats, 103.

    Coldhurst
    Result: Independent GAIN
    Elected: Mohammed Mohib Abu Taleb, Independent
    Turnout: 45.92%
    Majority: 421
    Candidates: Mohammed Mohib Abu Taleb, Independent, 1,892; Abdul Malik, Labour Party, 1,471; Elaine Whittingham, Reform UK, 473; Tayba Nazir, Green Party, 464; Mohammed Ali, Independent, 133; Keith Pendlebury, Liberal Democrats, 128.

    Crompton
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Peter Hanlon, Reform UK
    Turnout: 47.76%
    Majority: 737
    Candidates: Peter Hanlon, Reform UK, 1,773; Hazel Gloster, Liberal Democrats, 1,036; Chris Mills, Green Party, 250; Alicia Dunne, Independent, 232; Latif Choudhary, Labour Party Candidate, 227; Darren Lord, Conservative Party Candidate, 153; Shaun Michael Duffy, Independent, 79.

    Failsworth East
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Andrew Barry Brooks, Reform UK
    Turnout: 44.16%
    Majority: 1,576
    Candidates: Andrew Barry Brooks, Reform UK, 2,050; Chris Goodwin, Labour and Co-operative Party, 474; Neil Hindle, Failsworth Independent Party, 430; Laurraine DeMelchor, Green Party, 369; Jane Dronsfield, The Conservative Party Candidate, 101; Barbara Ann Beeley, Liberal Democrats, 60.

    Failsworth West
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Mark Christopher Ruthven, Reform UK
    Turnout: 42.61%
    Majority: 1,294
    Candidates: Mark Christopher Ruthven, Reform UK, 1,878; Peter Davis, Labour and Co-operative Party, 584; Andrew Kevin Jones, Green Party, 507; Natalie Parren, Failsworth Independent Party, 205; Roger Blackmore, Liberal Democrats, 95; Bernard Akin, The Conservative Party Candidate, 88.

    Hollinwood
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Robert Barnes, Reform UK
    Turnout: 41.8%
    Majority: 606
    Candidates: Robert Barnes, Reform UK, 1,472; Saniya Abid, Labour Party, 866; Abdul Wahid, The Oldham Group Party, 772; Callum Holt, Green Party, 359; Elizabeth Adamson, Liberal Democrats, 164; John Lawrence, National Housing Party Oldham People First, 58.

    Medlock Vale
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Junaid Hussain, Labour and Co-operative Party
    Turnout: 40.47%
    Majority: 300
    Candidates: Junaid Hussain, Labour and Co-operative Party, 1,283; Victor Flowers, Reform UK, 983; Sharoon Zaman, The Oldham Group Party, 777; Cameron Lee Gates, Green Party, 432; Shona Farnworth, Liberal Democrats, 198.

    Royton North
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Paul Robinson, Reform UK
    Turnout: 50.14%
    Majority: 1,916
    Candidates: Paul Robinson, Reform UK, 2,502; Clint Phythian, Labour Party, 586; Christine Adams, Conservative Party Candidate, 569; Emily Walker, Green Party, 412; Lewis Farnworth, Liberal Democrats, 169.

    Royton South
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Tony Pinder, Reform UK
    Turnout: 44.8%
    Majority: 1,277
    Candidates: Tony Pinder, Reform UK, 1,922; Kathryn Jane England, Labour Party, 645; Miranda Meadowcroft, Green Party, 368; William Hingston, Conservative Party Candidate, 267; Lynne Christine Thompson, Liberal Democrats, 144; Anthony Prince, Independent, 143.

    Saddleworth North
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Ioan Williams, Reform UK
    Turnout: 54.48%
    Majority: 463
    Candidates: Ioan Williams, Reform UK, 1,752; Michael Robert Thomas Powell, Liberal Democrats, 1,289; Luke Bywater, Conservative Party Candidate, 488; Samuel Jacob Hollis, Labour and Co-operative Party, 432; Chris Fielding, Green Party, 330.

    Saddleworth South
    Result: Liberal Democrat HOLD
    Elected: Helen Louise Bishop, Liberal Democrats
    Turnout: 54.77%
    Majority: 2
    Candidates: Helen Louise Bishop, Liberal Democrats, 1,594; Christopher John McManus, Reform UK, 1,592; Archie Ross Duncan, Labour Party, 602; David Hartington, Conservative Party Candidate, 417; George Simon Atkinson, Green Party, 344.

    Saddleworth West & Lees
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Peter Klonowski, Reform UK
    Turnout: 49.43%
    Majority: 172
    Candidates: Peter Klonowski, Reform UK, 1,808; Alicia Claire Marland, Liberal Democrats, 1,636; Dave Barter, Labour Party, 279; Joe Bardsley, Green Party, 238; Lisa Hartington, Conservative Party Candidate, 143.

    Shaw
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Steve Eyre, Reform UK
    Turnout: 47.11%
    Majority: 600
    Candidates: Steve Eyre, Reform UK, 1,555; Tom Penketh, Liberal Democrats, 955; Hamid Ali, Labour Party, 336; Ben Jack Ingham, Green Party, 253; Sarah Howarth, Independent, 177; Lee Navesey, Independent, 175; Adi Kohli, Conservative Party Candidate, 53.

    St James’
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Gary Tarbuck, Reform UK
    Turnout: 39.51%
    Majority: 1,362
    Candidates: Gary Tarbuck, Reform UK, 1,938; Angela Carol Cosgrove, Labour Party, 576; Amir Jhandad, Green Party, 284; Tom Noble, Conservative Party Candidate, 209; Roger Hindle, Liberal Democrats, 158; Maqsood Hussain, The Oldham Group Party, 22.

    St Mary’s
    Result: The Oldham Group Party GAIN
    Elected: Sonny Shah Arstan, The Oldham Group Party
    Turnout: 51.84%
    Majority: 1,089
    Candidates: Sonny Shah Arstan, The Oldham Group Party, 2,554; Aftab Hussain, Labour Party, 1,465; Ivan Burnley-Davies, Reform UK, 368; Lina Maria Valencia, Green Party, 321; Joe Gloster, Liberal Democrats, 110.

    Waterhead
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Paul Taylor, Reform UK
    Turnout: 46.09%
    Majority: 479
    Candidates: Paul Taylor, Reform UK, 1,459; Mir Ajawat, The Oldham Group Party, 980; Ali Aqeel Salamat, Labour Party Candidate, 954; Andrew Peter Sinclair, Green Party, 394; Alison Caroline Bishop, Liberal Democrats, 266; Stuart Allsopp, Independent, 132; Majid Khan, Independent, 54.

    Werneth
    Result: Labour HOLD
    Elected: Fida Hussain, Labour and Co-operative Party
    Turnout: 51.28%
    Majority: 146
    Candidates: Fida Hussain, Labour and Co-operative Party, 1,748; Rangzib Nazir, Workers Party – Oldham Group, 1,602; Mohammed Imran Ali, Independent, 864; Mycul Trelore, Green Party, 364; Stuart Illingworth, Reform UK, 247; Rachel Pendlebury, Liberal Democrats, 102.

  • 2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Basildon Borough Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Basildon Borough Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Basildon Borough Council

    Basildon Borough Council

    Election: Basildon Borough Council local election, Thursday 7 May 2026
    Overall control/status: no overall control. After the election, the reported council make-up was Conservatives 12, Labour 12, Reform UK 11, Independents 4 and Wickford Independents 3.
    Seats contested: 14
    Result summary for seats contested: Reform UK 11, Conservative 3

    Billericay East
    Result: Conservative HOLD
    Elected: Martyn James Mordecai, Conservative and Unionist Party
    Electorate: 9,546
    Ballot papers issued: 5,233
    Turnout: 54%
    Spoilt ballots: 24
    Majority: 679
    Candidates: Martyn James Mordecai, Conservative and Unionist Party, 2,341; Denise Lydia Martin, Reform UK, 1,662; Stewart Goshawk, Green Party, 773; Peter Bunyan, Labour Party, 249; Laura Clark, Liberal Democrats, 184.

    Billericay West
    Result: Conservative HOLD
    Elected: Daniel Lawrence, Conservative and Unionist Party
    Electorate: 9,473
    Ballot papers issued: 5,043
    Turnout: 53%
    Spoilt ballots: 36
    Majority: 1,100
    Candidates: Daniel Lawrence, Conservative and Unionist Party, 2,536; Krupa Jeevan Kollabathula, Reform UK, 1,436; Chris May, Liberal Democrats, 410; Kevin Blackmore, Green Party, 334; Tracey Hilton, Labour Party, 285.

    Burstead
    Result: Conservative HOLD
    Elected: Kevin Blake, Conservative and Unionist Party
    Electorate: 11,165
    Ballot papers issued: 5,899
    Turnout: 52%
    Spoilt ballots: 17
    Majority: 481
    Candidates: Kevin Blake, Conservative and Unionist Party, 2,654; Phillip Raymond Bruce, Reform UK, 2,173; Daniel McGarry, Green Party, 408; Leslie Banks, Labour Party, 391; Peter Lancaster, Liberal Democrats, 252.

    Castledon and Crouch
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Zoe Tamar Hockton, Reform UK
    Electorate: 9,292
    Ballot papers issued: 4,628
    Turnout: 49%
    Spoilt ballots: 11
    Majority: 1,206
    Candidates: Zoe Tamar Hockton, Reform UK, 2,329; Mark Richard Cottrell, Conservative and Unionist Party, 1,123; Stewart Mott, Liberal Democrats, 654; Stewart Blackett, Labour Party, 240; Maximillian Eric Giddens, Green Party, 217; Christopher David Bateman, British Democratic Party, 49.

    Fryerns
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Eileen Marilyn Brown, Reform UK
    Electorate: 10,612
    Ballot papers issued: 3,611
    Turnout: 34%
    Spoilt ballots: 20
    Majority: 409
    Candidates: Eileen Marilyn Brown, Reform UK, 1,594; Chelsea George, Labour Party, 1,185; Ann Blake, Conservative and Unionist Party, 356; Rainbow Serina, Green Party, 303; Vivien Howard, Liberal Democrats, 78; Simon John Breedon, Independent, 38; Eleanor Mary Donne, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 33.

    Laindon Park
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Darren Gregg Gardner, Reform UK
    Electorate: 9,898
    Ballot papers issued: 3,616
    Turnout: 36%
    Spoilt ballots: 5
    Majority: 873
    Candidates: Darren Gregg Gardner, Reform UK, 1,679; Wayne Milne, Labour Party, 806; Jeff Henry, Conservative and Unionist Party, 693; Jessica Whitehead, Green Party, 278; Stephen Edward McCarthy, Liberal Democrats, 116; Dave Murray, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 39.

    Langdon Hills
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Damion Lewis, Reform UK
    Electorate: 10,985
    Ballot papers issued: 4,946
    Turnout: 45%
    Spoilt ballots: 19
    Majority: 141
    Candidates: Damion Lewis, Reform UK, 1,720; Walter Clarence Brown, Independent, 1,579; Chris Allen, Conservative and Unionist Party, 584; Brian Button, Labour Party, 567; Ian John Murray, Green Party, 338; Steve Nice, Liberal Democrats, 93; None Of The Above X, Independent, 36.

    Lee Chapel North
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Jose Antony Kattady, Reform UK
    Electorate: 10,082
    Ballot papers issued: 3,302
    Turnout: 32%
    Spoilt ballots: 12
    Majority: 345
    Candidates: Jose Antony Kattady, Reform UK, 1,420; Terry Webb, Labour Party, 1,075; Emma Elizabeth Blackmore, Green Party, 334; Deepak Shukla, Conservative and Unionist Party, 315; Mike Chandler, Liberal Democrats, 112; Elaine McDonald, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 29.

    Nethermayne
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Wayne Lowther, Reform UK
    Electorate: 9,925
    Ballot papers issued: 3,314
    Turnout: 33%
    Spoilt ballots: 9
    Majority: 540
    Candidates: Wayne Lowther, Reform UK, 1,290; Eddie Murphy, Independent, 750; Elsa Benn, Labour Party, 629; Matthew Hornsby, Green Party, 321; Yetunde Adeshile, Conservative and Unionist Party, 265; Chris Huggins, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 52.

    Pitsea North West
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Jeff Noble, Reform UK
    Electorate: 9,281
    Ballot papers issued: 3,087
    Turnout: 33%
    Spoilt ballots: 12
    Majority: 575
    Candidates: Jeff Noble, Reform UK, 1,468; Pat Reid, Labour Party, 893; Stuart James Terson, Conservative and Unionist Party, 384; Michelle Savage, Green Party, 223; Martin Howard, Liberal Democrats, 85; Sine Surridge, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 22.

    Pitsea South East
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: David Martin Abrahall, Reform UK
    Electorate: 10,063
    Ballot papers issued: 3,696
    Turnout: 36%
    Spoilt ballots: 10
    Majority: 891
    Candidates: David Martin Abrahall, Reform UK, 1,738; Ryan McDonald, Labour Party, 847; Craig Ronald Rimmer, Conservative and Unionist Party, 709; Steven Willis, Green Party, 271; Steven Robert Spowart, Liberal Democrats, 86; Jack Huggins, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 34.

    St Martin’s
    Result: Reform UK HOLD
    Elected: Sam John Journet, Reform UK
    Electorate: 9,667
    Ballot papers issued: 3,151
    Turnout: 32%
    Spoilt ballots: 18
    Majority: 147
    Candidates: Sam John Journet, Reform UK, 1,280; Elizabeth Atkinson, Labour Party, 1,133; Deepak Roy, Conservative and Unionist Party, 351; Ellie Matthewman, Green Party, 316; Andrew Buxton, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 53.

    Wickford North
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: Steven Mark Swaby, Reform UK
    Electorate: 10,351
    Ballot papers issued: 4,675
    Turnout: 45%
    Spoilt ballots: 28
    Majority: 931
    Candidates: Steven Mark Swaby, Reform UK, 2,106; Billy Merrin, Conservative and Unionist Party, 1,175; Trevor Terence Hammond, Wickford Independents, 545; Penny Anne Wright, Green Party, 360; Viviane Morris, Labour Party, 252; Nicola Hoad, Liberal Democrats, 208.

    Wickford Park
    Result: Reform UK GAIN
    Elected: John Alan Peters, Reform UK
    Electorate: 8,976
    Ballot papers issued: 3,698
    Turnout: 41%
    Spoilt ballots: 16
    Majority: 485
    Candidates: John Alan Peters, Reform UK, 1,640; Lewis Aaron Hooper, Conservative and Unionist Party, 1,155; Sam Twigg, Green Party, 279; Dean Sharpe, Labour Party, 220; Sean Mundy, Wickford Independents, 182; Mike Woods, Liberal Democrats, 176; Sarah-Jane Shields, Independent, 30.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The National Lottery Community Fund Board Appointments [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The National Lottery Community Fund Board Appointments [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 11 May 2026.

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Richard Collier-Keywood, Dame Helen Stephenson, and Paul Sweeney, and extended the terms of John Mothersole and Kate Still.

    Richard Collier-Keywood 

    Richard Collier-Keywood has been reappointed as a Member for a term of 18 months, commencing on 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2027. 

    Richard Collier-Keywood holds a variety of prominent roles, primarily as a Chair. He chairs the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Fair4All Finance (the UK financial inclusion organisation funded by dormant assets), New Forest Care (a provider of bespoke care and education to children with complex needs), and the Welsh Rugby Union.

    Richard holds several other board positions: Board member and Chair of the finance committee for the Women of the World Foundation; Board member and Chair of the finance committee for St George’s House (Windsor Castle); and Non-executive director on the international Board for Eversheds Sutherland LLP.

    Previously Richard was a Global Vice-Chairman of PwC from November 2011 to February 2017 and served as Managing Partner of PwC UK from 2008 to 2011. Richard is a barrister and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

    Dame Helen Stephenson

    Dame Helen Stephenson has been reappointed as a Member for a term of 18 months, commencing on 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2027.

    Her career includes serving as the former Chief Executive and Board Member of the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Before this, she was the Director of Early Years and Child Care at the Department for Education. Earlier in her career, she worked in the Cabinet Office as Director of the Office for Civil Society and Government Innovation Group.

    Prior to joining the Civil Service, Helen was Head of Strategic Policy and Partnerships at the Big Lottery Fund. Her experience also spans the statutory and voluntary sectors as a researcher and consultant, and she served as a development manager for a major national charity. She holds a PhD from Bristol University.

    Helen is on the Board of the Independent Football Regulator and is a Trustee of The King’s Foundation. Furthermore, she is a Board member of the ECB Regulatory Board and serves on the People and Governance Committee at the Royal Academy of Dance.

    Helen’s contributions have been recognised with a CBE in 2014 and a DBE in the 2024 Birthday Honours for her services to charity and regulation.

    Paul Sweeney

    Paul Sweeney has been reappointed as a Member and Northern Ireland Chair for a second term of four years, commencing on 18 August 2026 to 17 August 2030. Paul has a wealth of experience working in the voluntary, community and public sectors in Northern Ireland.

    From 1987 to 1994, he was the Director of the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust, which supported community-based self-help initiatives.

    He joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) in 1994, initially on secondment, as an adviser on community development and reconciliation. Throughout his subsequent career in the NICS he held a number of senior positions including Deputy Secretary in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, Permanent Secretary in the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure and Permanent Secretary in the Department of Education.

    Since retiring from the NICS in 2017, Paul has undertaken a trustee role in a number of not-for-profit organisations involved in regeneration, culture and young people. 

    John Mothersole 

    John Mothersole’s second term as a Member and England Committee Chair has been extended by 2 years from 14 May 2026 to 13 May 2028. 

    John’s extensive career includes senior local government roles in UK cities, culminating in 11 years as Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council until December 2019. Since then, he has focused on non-executive and advisory roles.

    His current appointments include Chair of The Sheffield College, a trustee position with a community care charity, and advisory work with companies specialising in regeneration and environment. He was also an assessor for the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, concluding this role with the final report’s publication in September 2024.

    John has been a key figure in policy development for UK cities, actively participating in the Core Cities network, the Northern Powerhouse initiative, and working with the Government to secure city and city region devolution deals and participate in trade missions.

    More recently, John has been appointed as Trustee of the Historic Royal Palaces. He also chairs the Nature Towns and Cities Panel, a joint initiative by The National Trust, Natural England, and The Heritage Lottery Fund.

    His early career was rooted in the arts, primarily in London and the North-East. A key achievement from this period was the reopening of the Roundhouse in London, which paved the way for its subsequent redevelopment.

    Kate Still

    Kate Still’s second term as a Member and Scotland Committee Chair has been extended by 2 years from 14 May 2026 to 13 May 2028. 

    Kate brings over 30 years of relevant experience, having worked with and for communities across various fields, including grant-making, education, apprenticeships, employability, community enterprise, and regeneration. She is deeply committed to addressing issues of poverty, equality, diversity, and social justice.

    Her extensive career spans senior roles in the public, private, and charity sectors. In July 2024, she was appointed by the Scottish Government to lead the independent review of Community Learning and Development, which resulted in the report “Learning For All. For Life.”

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Board Members of The National Lottery Community Fund are remunerated at £7,848 per annum.

    The Chairs of the England and Scotland Committee of The National Lottery Community Fund are both remunerated at £24,000.

    The Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee of The National Lottery Community Fund is remunerated at £29,232.

    These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. 

    Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. 

    Richard Collier-Keywood, Dame Helen Stephenson, Paul Sweeney, Kate Still and Paul Sweeney have declared no political activity.

  • Catherine West – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer’s Leadership

    Catherine West – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer’s Leadership

    The comments made by Catherine West, the Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, on 11 May 2026.

    I have listened to the Prime Minister’s speech this morning. I welcome the renewed energy and ideas. However, I have reluctantly concluded that this morning’s speech was too little too late.

    The results last Thursday show that the PM has failed to inspire hope. What is best for the party and country now is for an orderly transition.

    I am hereby giving notice to No10 that I am collecting names of Labour MPs to call on the Prime Minister to set a timetable for the election of a new leader in September.

    I want to thank everyone who has been in contact over the weekend to offer good wishes. We need our best top team in place to fight the next election. We owe working people up and down the country nothing less.

  • MAY 2026 WARD BY WARD ELECTION RESULTS

    MAY 2026 WARD BY WARD ELECTION RESULTS

    The ward by ward results from the local elections held in May 2026.

    Mayoral Election Results

    Adur District Council

    Barking and Dagenham Borough Council

    Barnet Borough Council

    Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

    Basildon Borough Council

    Bexley Borough Council

    Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

    East Surrey Council

    Huntingdonshire District Council

    Isle of Wight Council

    Islington Council

    Leeds City Council

    Lincoln City Council

    Norfolk County Council

    Norwich City Council

    Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

    Oxford City Council

    Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

  • PRESS RELEASE : Dr Simon Fabri appointed Chief Executive of HMGCC

    PRESS RELEASE : Dr Simon Fabri appointed Chief Executive of HMGCC

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 11 May 2026.

    HMGCC (His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre) has today announced the appointment of Dr Simon Fabri as its new Chief Executive, leading the organisation’s work at the forefront of national security and defence technology.

    Dr Fabri takes up the role today (11 May), succeeding Dr George Williamson CMG, who has left HMGCC to join the Alan Turing Institute.

    Founded in 1938, HMGCC is the UK government’s centre for national security engineering. Based at Hanslope Park in Milton Keynes, it brings together engineers, scientists and technologists to develop specialist tools and technologies that support national security, defence and law enforcement, helping to keep the UK safe.

    For much of its 88-year history, HMGCC operated almost entirely behind the scenes. In recent years, it has begun to share more of its technology challenges openly, working with partners across industry and academia through initiatives such as HMGCC Co‑Creation to source the best innovation from across the UK and beyond.

    Dr Fabri joined HMGCC in 2023 to lead its product and engineering teams. Since then, he has overseen significant changes to how the organisation designs and delivers technology, strengthening its ability to respond to rapidly evolving national security threats.

    Before joining HMGCC, Dr Fabri built a career spanning academia and industry, with senior roles across the telecommunications, energy and automotive sectors, followed by leadership positions at Amazon.

    Commenting on his appointment, Dr Fabri said:

    I am proud to be taking on this role at a time of both significant challenge and opportunity for HMGCC.

    Technology and national security are becoming ever more closely linked, and that intersection sits at the heart of HMGCC’s mission. I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the work we do and the impact it has on the UK’s security and defence capability.

    As Chief Executive, Dr Fabri will focus on building on HMGCC’s existing strengths: investing in its in‑house technical expertise, deepening partnerships with industry and academia, and ensuring that the organisation continues to deliver cutting‑edge capabilities for the national security community.

    He added:

    HMGCC brings together exceptional people, world‑class facilities and a strong location within the Oxford–Cambridge growth corridor. This gives us a unique opportunity to work with partners across the UK to strengthen our national security technology base.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Home Office Warns of FIFA Ticket Scams

    PRESS RELEASE : Home Office Warns of FIFA Ticket Scams

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 May 2026.

    Football fans are being urged to guard against scams when buying match tickets for the upcoming FIFA World Cup – which kicks off next month – as newly-released data from Lloyds reveals football ticket scams increased over a third (36%) during the current Premier League football season. 

    Which teams and fixtures do fraudsters target most?

    The findings, based on thousands of scam cases between October 2025 and March 2026, show fraudsters focus heavily on popular teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Scammers also repeatedly target supporters looking for tickets to some of the most in‑demand football matches in the UK, such as the FA Cup Final and Champions League Final.

    With the World Cup, hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico, set to be the most spectated football event, it’s anticipated that fraudsters will target the big-name fixtures and attempt to exploit international demand.

    How much are victims losing?

    On average victims lost £215 during the current Premier League football season, but some fans paid hundreds or even thousands of pounds for ‘season tickets’ or VIP seats that never existed. Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for expensive World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be devastating – especially for those forking out on extra costs to travel across the pond.

    The government and Lloyds are teaming up once again to highlight the issue to football supporters, as part of the Stop! Think Fraud campaign. Led by the Home Office and supported by partners across law enforcement, banking, tech, retail and the charity sector, the campaign empowers individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves from fraud.

    Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, said:

    As excitement builds for the World Cup, fraudsters are preparing to exploit loyal fans searching for tickets. I urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud and show fraudsters the red card. Only buy directly from FIFA or the FIFA Resale Marketplace. Missing out on a big match is disappointing, but becoming a victim to a scam makes it even harder to bear.

    Our new fraud strategy sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen support for victims.

    Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director, Lloyds said:

    Fraudsters thrive on urgency and target fans looking for hard‑to‑get tickets for big‑name fixtures. Most of the football ticket scams we see start on social media – especially Facebook and Instagram – before the criminal moves the buyer onto WhatsApp and insists on a bank transfer to pay. It’s incredibly convincing, and we don’t want fans to lose their money trying to support their team. We’re urging supporters to stay alert and stick to official ticketing channels.

    How football ticket scams work

    Most football ticket scams begin on social media. Criminals advertise a spare ticket, then shift the conversation to WhatsApp, where victims are pushed to make a bank transfer. Once the money is sent, the scammer blocks the buyer and disappears.

    World Cup warning: scammers will use the same tactics

    With the 2026 Men’s World Cup just one month away, Lloyds and the Home Office are taking action to protect fans by highlighting how criminals will try to exploit the excitement.

    Scammers know demand will be huge and will mimic the methods seen in club‑level scams: fake listings on social media, pressure to act quickly and requests for bank transfers. Fraudsters move quickly, creating fake waiting lists, counterfeit QR codes or bogus “pre‑release” offers to lure people in.

    Practical advice: Liz Ziegler’s tip for avoiding football ticket scams

    Take your time

    If you’re offered tickets for a match that’s in high demand, don’t let the fear of missing out make you rush your decision. Stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine.

    Be careful with social media adverts, especially on marketplace platforms

    If you see a last-minute ticket post on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, pause to consider whether it’s legitimate. Do some research and consult family or friends before proceeding.

    Don’t pay by bank transfer

    Genuine ticket retailers never ask for payment by bank transfer, but fraudsters do as it’s fast and hard to trace. Treat requests for bank transfers as a major warning sign, especially if the account details do not match the seller’s name.

    Be wary of “too good to be true” offers

    Derbies, European fixtures, and World Cup matches are magnets for scammers promising tickets that no one else can supply. If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is.

    Use official club channels or authorised sellers

    For major events like the World Cup, only trust the tournament’s official ticketing platforms or club-approved sellers to ensure your purchase is safe. Don’t forget that artificial intelligence (AI) can help criminals to create professional content. Just because it has a good layout and graphics, doesn’t mean it is legitimate.

    Be cautious of pressure tactics

    Be cautious of classic pressure phrases like “lots of interest”, “I’ll send the QR code after payment”, or “I need to sell right now”. Scammers often use urgency to push you into making hasty decisions.

    Report Fraud

    Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

    Case study

    Robert Paterson, 39, Barber shop owner, Edinburgh.

    Like any passionate Scotland supporter, I’m over the moon we’ve qualified for the World Cup for the first time in nearly 20 years. I’ve been on the hunt for tickets, particularly for the Brazil game. I’ve spent time on various platforms like X and Facebook in the hope of securing seats but am always nervous of what’s real and what could be a scam.

    I own a popular chain of barber shops ‘Rag and Bone’, so have been swapping tips and stories with lots of clients in the barber’s chair who have also been looking for legitimate tickets.

    In the process, I’ve definitely come across a number of suspected fake or questionable listings, with many tickets appearing either massively overpriced or outright dodgy, especially on Facebook. It definitely takes a bit of the excitement out of buying tickets when you’re having to worry if it’s real or not.

    Earlier this year the government launched a new Fraud Strategy to tackle the UK’s most commonly experienced crime by strengthening partnerships across sectors, disrupting criminal operations and delivering better support for victims. This includes a £31 million investment for a new Online Crime Centre, combining the data, expertise and capabilities of the police, GCHQ, banks, telecommunications and tech firms to shut down the avenues that fraudsters exploit, wherever in the world they might be.    

    About the Stop! Think Fraud campaign 

    Stop! Think Fraud is the UK government’s national campaign to help people protect themselves from scams. Led by the Home Office and supported by partners across law enforcement, banking, tech, retail and the charity sector, the campaign empowers individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves. 

    Launched in 2024, Stop! Think Fraud provides practical advice on how to spot the signs of fraud, secure personal information, and take action if targeted. The campaign encourages everyone to take a moment to stop, think and check before responding to suspicious messages or offers – because anyone can be a victim of fraud. 

    By raising awareness and promoting simple, effective steps to stay safe, Stop! Think Fraud is building a national movement to disrupt fraudsters and protect communities across the UK. 

    For more information visit: Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams 

    Methodology

    Football ticket scam data

    Figures based on analysis of relevant purchase scams (football tickets) reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between October 2025 and March 2026, with comparisons made to data from October 2024 and March 2025.

    Ticket scam data

    Figures based on analysis of relevant purchase scams (tickets) reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between October 2025 and March 2026.

  • NEWS STORY : Government Could Take British Steel Into Public Ownership

    NEWS STORY : Government Could Take British Steel Into Public Ownership

    STORY

    The Government is to introduce new legislation giving ministers the option to bring British Steel into public ownership, subject to a public interest test. The powers will be announced in the King’s Speech on Wednesday and could allow British Steel to return to Government ownership for the first time since it was sold off in 1988.

    Ministers said the legislation would provide a route to safeguard UK steelmaking capacity and avoid a sudden halt in production at Scunthorpe. The Government intervened at British Steel in April 2025 under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act to keep production running and prevent the closure of the blast furnaces, which it said could have disrupted supply chains and put thousands of jobs at risk.

    The Department for Business and Trade said talks had continued with British Steel’s current owner, but that it had not been possible to agree a commercial sale on terms that would deliver acceptable value for money for taxpayers. Any decision to use the new powers would depend on the public interest test, including factors such as national security, critical national infrastructure and support for the economy.