Reform UK Secures Sunderland City Council, Ending Labour’s Five-Decade Control

Reform UK has gained control of Sunderland City Council, concluding over five decades of Labour administration. The party secured 58 of the 75 available seats, surpassing the 38 required for a majority.

Outgoing Labour Leader Among Casualties

Among those who lost their seats was Michael Mordey, the outgoing Labour council leader. Paul Donaghy, a newly elected Reform councillor for Washington North, attributed his party's success not only to a clear local message but also to widespread dissatisfaction with the national political landscape.

Donaghy, a former Conservative politician, stated, “We need to make sure we do not betray that trust and we need to deliver for the people of Sunderland and for Washington and Houghton.” He acknowledged the significant challenge ahead for many of his new colleagues, who are entering local government for the first time, but expressed confidence in the party's readiness and experienced candidates.

Voter turnout in Sunderland reached 40.5%, a notable increase from the 30% recorded in the area’s previous election in 2024.

National Politics Blamed for Labour Losses

Lewis Atkinson, Labour's Sunderland Central MP, attributed the party’s substantial losses in the city to national political discontent rather than local Labour leadership. He highlighted public frustration over the persistent cost of living crisis, which he described as “really, really tough for any party that is in power.”

Atkinson expressed regret for the loss of Labour councillors, asserting that “people recognise Sunderland is a city on the up and there has been some really good work done by the Labour Council working together with the Labour government but ultimately national factors were the determining factor here.”