The political landscape in Bexley has shifted following the latest local election results. While the Conservative Party successfully maintained its majority at the Civic Offices, the emergence of Reform UK as a significant force has fundamentally altered the composition of the local opposition.
Conservative candidates secured 29 seats, ensuring the party retains control over borough policy and spending. However, the most striking development of the night was the performance of Reform UK, which matched the Labour Party’s seat count. Both parties now hold seven seats each, creating a split opposition that may complicate future council debates.
Election results by party representation
The following data represents the confirmed seats and the total share of the vote across the borough. These figures highlight a significant disparity between the popular vote and the final seat allocation, a common feature of the local electoral system.
| Political Party | Seats Won | % of Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative Party | 29 | 37% |
| Reform UK | 7 | 32% |
| Labour Party | 7 | 19% |
| Green Party | 0 | 7% |
| Liberal Democrats | 0 | 4% |
| Independent | 0 | <1% |
| Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition | 0 | <1% |
| Working for Sidcup | 0 | <1% |
Conservative majority holds despite shifting landscape
With 29 seats, the Conservative Party maintains a clear mandate to lead Bexley Council. Despite securing only 37% of the total vote share, the party’s ability to win individual wards allowed it to dominate the seat count. This result ensures continuity for current infrastructure projects and local tax policies, though the administration now faces a more diverse set of challengers.
The 37% vote share represents a core base of support, but it also indicates that nearly two-thirds of participating voters opted for alternative parties. In previous cycles, the Conservative lead was often challenged primarily by Labour, but the 2026 results suggest a fragmentation of the local electorate.
Reform UK matches Labour in historic surge
Reform UK’s performance is the standout narrative of this election cycle. By securing 32% of the total vote, the party came within five percentage points of the Conservatives in terms of popular support. This surge translated into seven seats, placing them on equal footing with the Labour Party in the council chamber.
Labour’s 19% vote share resulted in seven seats, the same number as Reform UK, despite Reform UK receiving significantly more individual votes borough-wide. This outcome highlights how concentrated support in specific wards can be more effective than broad support spread thinly across the borough. The presence of seven Reform UK councillors marks a new era for Bexley, where traditional two-party dominance has been disrupted.
Slade Green and Northend results pending recount
The final composition of the council remains slightly fluid as one ward remains undeclared. The results for the Slade Green and Northend Ward are currently subject to a full re-count.
Election officials confirmed that the recount will take place today, 8 May, at 5:00 PM at the Civic Offices. The narrow margin in this specific ward could potentially add to the seat totals of the leading parties, though it will not change the overall Conservative control of the council. Once the Slade Green and Northend figures are verified, the final official tally for Bexley Council will be updated to reflect the full 2026 results.
Source: London Borough of Bexley
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