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Political parties and their candidates made a final effort to secure votes on the last full day of campaigning ahead of elections scheduled across England, Scotland, and Wales. These elections will see voters in Scotland and Wales deciding who should lead their devolved governments, while English voters will elect members to numerous councils and select mayors. Polling stations are set to be open from 07:00 to 22:00 BST on Thursday, 7 May, with election results anticipated on Friday and continuing through the weekend.
This round of elections represents the most significant gauge of public sentiment since Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election. Current opinion polls indicate a growing fragmentation within British politics, with voter support spreading more widely across multiple parties in all three nations. In Scotland, the Scottish National Party (SNP) aims to secure a fifth consecutive term in government, competing primarily against Labour and Reform UK. Meanwhile, in Wales, Plaid Cymru and Reform UK contend for dominance in the Senedd, challenging Labour’s long-standing hold on power since devolution began in 1999.
Labour faces considerable challenges in England, where it holds majorities or leads numerous councils up for election. It is vulnerable to potential losses to Reform UK and the Green Party. The outcomes of these elections will shape who oversees essential public services, including education, social care, waste collection, and transportation. Beyond local governance, the results are viewed as a reflection of public confidence in Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour government, whose leadership has been questioned amid recent political pressures. There is speculation that poor results could lead to calls for a leadership challenge.
On the campaign trail, party leaders made their final appeals to voters. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, writing in the Mirror, framed the vote as a “clear choice” between “Unity or division. Progress versus the politics of anger. The right plan for our country up against easy answers that will lead us nowhere.” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch promoted her party as the “only serious party,” highlighting plans such as boosting employment, promoting North Sea oil and gas drilling, lowering taxes, and abolishing certain business levies. Liberal Democrat Sir Ed Davey positioned his party as the sole alternative to Reform UK’s “Trump-style division,” focusing on practical local issues like healthcare, environmental concerns, and the cost of living.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski emphasized his party’s message of “hope and a plan,” advocating for wealth taxes, measures to reduce bills, and raising awareness about human rights issues. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage echoed his campaign slogan: “Vote Reform Get Starmer out,” arguing that his party represents the real option for change at both national and local levels. Scottish First Minister John Swinney urged Scottish voters to support the SNP for ongoing improvements in health services, economic assistance amid cost-of-living challenges, and a future referendum on Scottish independence. In Wales, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described the election as extremely close, stressing his party’s unique focus on Welsh interests and its ability to defeat Reform UK
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