John Swinney

Rule Changes

SNP on course for a fifth consecutive Holyrood government but short of the 65 seats needed for a majority; minority government formation expected

Results from the May 7 Super Thursday elections arrived through Friday, May 8, matching and in places exceeding the poll-predicted losses for Labour. Reform UK gained more than 500 English council seats, taking control of at least four authorities (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Havering, Sunderland, and Essex) having previously controlled none. Labour lost more than 300 seats and surrendered Exeter, Southampton, Bolton, and other councils it had held for years. In Scotland, counting pointed to a fifth consecutive SNP government at Holyrood, but short of an outright majority. In Wales, partial Senedd results showed Labour reduced to single figures in seat count, and First Minister Eluned Morgan lost her own seat in Ceredigion Penfro.

Updated May 8