Mandelson appointment raises questions amid Starmer administration scrutiny
Mandelson's Washington appointment amid Epstein connections deepens scrutiny of Starmer government credibility.
Event / Politics
British Local Elections 2025
Local elections held on May 22, 2025, testing Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government amid polling predictions of significant seat losses and broader political fragmentation across the United Kingdom.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 7 May, 15:07 UTC
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What happened
Conservative Party projected to lose approximately 600 seats in local elections
The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, was forecast to lose approximately 600 local council seats in England in the May 2025 local elections.
Reform UK gains ground with anti-immigration platform
Reform UK, an anti-immigration party, made significant electoral gains in the May 2025 local elections. In Wales, a Survation poll showed Reform UK in contention for second place behind Plaid Cymru, reflecting the party's growing support among voters concerned about immigration. Over 200,000 clandestine migrants have arrived across the English Channel since 2018.
SNP aims to maintain Scottish Parliament majority after 19 years in power
The Scottish National Party, which has held power in Scotland for 19 years, aimed to retain its parliamentary majority in the May 2025 elections. Labour faced the prospect of losing ground in Scotland during these elections.
Labour Party projected to lose up to 2,000 seats in English local elections
Polling forecasts indicated the Labour Party could lose up to 2,000 local council seats in England in the May 2025 elections. Labour also faced the prospect of losing its majority in the Welsh Parliament for the first time since its establishment in 1998.
Plaid Cymru positioned to lead in Welsh Parliament elections
According to a Survation poll released on May 21, 2025, Plaid Cymru, the left-wing Welsh nationalist party, was positioned slightly ahead of other parties in the Welsh Parliament elections, marking a potential shift in Welsh politics.
Green Party leadership changes to more left-wing position
The Green Party appointed new leader Zack Polanski, who shifted the party further to the left. The Greens hoped to make significant gains in London, a Labour stronghold, in the May 2025 local elections. However, Polanski faced scrutiny for antisemitic statements made during recent weeks in London.
Labour Party holds 70% of UK parliamentary seats despite low popularity
Despite receiving 70% negative opinions from voters according to YouGov polling, the Labour Party maintains its parliamentary majority and control of government. Keir Starmer, who became Prime Minister in July 2024 after 14 years of opposition, continues to lead the government despite internal discussions about potential replacement.
Peter Mandelson appointed as Ambassador to Washington despite Epstein connections
Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson as British Ambassador to the United States despite his connections to American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The appointment has weakened Starmer's political position, with Labour MPs reportedly maneuvering for Mandelson's removal despite the absence of an obvious successor.
British voters hold local elections on May 22, 2025
British voters voted on May 22, 2025 in local elections across England, Wales, and Scotland. More than 5,000 local council seats were contested in England, and voters also renewed the Welsh Parliament and Scottish Parliament. Polls opened at 07:00 local time and closed at 22:00, with results expected overnight and throughout May 23.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's approval rating reaches historic low of 30%
A YouGov poll from April 20, 2025 showed that Keir Starmer's actions as Prime Minister received 70% negative opinions, reflecting a significant decline in popularity following his return to power in July 2024. The unpopularity stems from broken economic growth promises, policy reversals, and controversies including the Peter Mandelson appointment.
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2 alternative perspectives
Insurgent parties gain traction as traditional politics fractures
Reform UK and Greens capitalize on voter dissatisfaction as major parties decline.
Labour faces historic local election losses as Starmer approval plummets
Labour faces major local election losses amid Starmer's historic approval rating low of 30%.