Full Breakdown
Reform UK Secures Majority in Sunderland City Council
5/10/2026, 12:27:59 AM
Election Outcome and Numbers
Sunderland City Council held an all-out election on 7 May 2026, with all 75 seats contested in 25 three-member wards after boundary changes. Reform UK won 58 seats, exceeding the 38 needed for a majority. Labour fell to five seats, the Conservatives lost all nine, and the Liberal Democrats were reported at either 12 or nine seats. Turnout was 40.5 %.
Background and Key Actors
Labour had governed Sunderland council since 1974, a stronghold. The city voted 61 % to leave the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Nigel Farage launched Reform UK’s local campaign in Sunderland, framing the election as a referendum on Keir Starmer. Key figures include Reform councillor Paul Donaghy (Washington North), outgoing Labour leader Michael Mordey, and Sunderland MP Lewis Atkinson.
Official Statements & Responses
Reform UK’s Paul Donaghy said the result shows voter dissatisfaction with the national picture and pledged that Reform will not betray that trust, promising delivery for Sunderland and Washington. He warned many new councillors face a steep learning curve. Labour’s Michael Mordey lost his seat, and MP Lewis Atkinson called the outcome a ‘really clear message’ to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Criticism & Opposition
Local residents expressed frustration with Labour. Denise Ralph, 67, said “I’m sick of Labour, sick of them not getting things done.” Stewart Smith, a Labour voter, switched to the Greens, criticizing Starmer’s handling of the winter-fuel allowance and the Peter Mandelson scandal. Reform’s influx of first-time councillors also raised concerns, with Donaghy acknowledging a learning curve that must not betray voter trust.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Liberal Democrat seat total differs: Chronicle Live lists 12 seats, while LGCplus reports nine, a three-seat discrepancy. One ward’s result remained uncounted at the time of reporting, leaving the final distribution incomplete.
Verbatim Quotes
“Let’s be under no illusion, this has been a referendum on Keir Starmer and his leadership and the Labour government and the Labour government.” — Paul Donaghy, Reform UK councillor, Washington North
“I’m sick of Labour, sick of them not getting things done,” — Denise Ralph, 67, Houghton-le-Spring resident
“Keir Starmer is a nice honest fella, but he’s not a politician. I mean, ha’way,” — Stewart Smith, 79, record-store owner
“Atkinson, who was elected in 2024, added that the public had sent a “really clear message” to Starmer and his ministers, and that “people like me need to listen to that”.” — Lewis Atkinson, MP for Sunderland
What’s Next
Reform UK must translate its majority into policy delivery, addressing cost-of-living concerns and local service improvements while managing a council of many first-time members. The result is being read as a warning to Labour ahead of the next general election.
