This Week’s UK By-Elections: Parliamentary Contests and Council Polls Deliver Mixed Messages for Major Parties (June 18)

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, voters across parts of the UK went to the polls for three high-profile parliamentary by-elections and a series of council by-elections. Results, declared overnight and into Friday, June 19, highlighted shifting political dynamics, with Labour holding firm in a key English seat, the Conservatives scoring a notable gain in Scotland, and Reform UK continuing to make waves.

Parliamentary By-Elections: The Main Event

Three Westminster by-elections took place simultaneously, drawing significant national attention.

Makerfield (Greater Manchester, England): This was the standout contest. Labour’s Andy Burnham, the popular Mayor of Greater Manchester, secured a commanding victory with 54.8% of the vote (24,937 votes). Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon came second on 34.5%, with a majority of 9,241 votes (20.3 percentage points). Turnout reached 58.75%.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of the previous Labour MP, Josh Simons, widely seen as clearing the path for Burnham to return to Parliament. Burnham’s strong performance in this traditional Labour heartland of former coal-mining areas reinforces his stature as a potential leadership challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Reform UK’s solid second place, however, underscores ongoing challenges for Labour from the populist right in northern England.

Aberdeen South (Scotland): In a historic result, the Conservatives gained the seat from the SNP. Douglas Lumsden (Con) won with 49.5% (14,308 votes), defeating Richard Thomson (SNP) on 28.6%, for a majority of 6,050 votes (20.9 pp). Turnout was lower at 37.4%. This marked the first Tory win in a Scottish Westminster by-election in over 50 years.

Arbroath and Broughty Ferry (Scotland): The SNP held the seat, with Lara Bird taking 41.1% (9,802 votes) against Jack Cruickshanks (Con) on 19.4%, delivering a majority of 5,178 votes (21.7 pp). Turnout was 31.35%. Reform UK increased its vote share across all three contests compared to the 2024 general election.

These results reflect fragmented politics in Scotland, with the SNP under pressure but still competitive, while the Conservatives showed resilience in certain areas. Labour’s focus remained on the English contest.

Council By-Elections: Local Undercard

Alongside the parliamentary votes, around 15 council by-elections or polls for roughly 18 seats were held, many postponed from the May 2026 local elections or triggered by vacancies.

Notable mentions from previews and early reports include contests in areas like Bradford (Idle & Thackley), Conwy (Tudno), Essex, Bury (Moorside), and others in Greater Manchester, Hillingdon, and Wales. Defending parties included Liberal Democrats (several seats), Conservatives, Plaid Cymru, Labour, Reform UK, and Greens.

These local votes often serve as barometers for national sentiment. Reform UK, which performed strongly in the May 2026 local elections (gaining hundreds of seats and councils), was competitive in several wards. Full detailed council results were still emerging as of Friday, but they contributed to the broader narrative of volatility at the local level.

Broader Context and Implications

• Labour: Burnham’s win is a personal triumph and boosts his national profile, but the party continues to face pressure from Reform UK in its traditional strongholds. The timing aligns with internal party dynamics and speculation about leadership.

• Conservatives: The Aberdeen South gain is a significant morale boost, especially north of the border, signaling potential recovery in targeted areas.

• SNP: Holding one seat while losing another highlights ongoing challenges in Scotland.

• Reform UK: Consistent gains in vote share indicate the party’s rising influence, particularly on issues resonating in post-industrial and working-class communities.

• Restore Britain: finished third in the Makerfield by-election with 3,111 votes (6.8%) but failed to beat Reform and BNP recorded vote

  
  

Turnout varied, with parliamentary by-elections generally seeing moderate participation typical for such contests. These results come amid the aftermath of the May 2026 local elections, where Reform made major strides, Labour suffered losses, and other parties like the Liberal Democrats and Greens picked up ground.

As counting concluded and analysis continues, this week’s by-elections provide fresh insights into voter priorities ahead of future national contests. Political watchers will be closely monitoring how party leaders respond—particularly within Labour regarding Burnham’s elevated position.

Note: Results are based on declarations as of June 19, 2026. Local council outcomes may see further updates.