UK voters head to polls in England, Scotland and Wales elections
UK voters head to polls in England, Scotland and Wales elections
Millions vote across England, Scotland and Wales in a landmark set of elections, testing Labour's grip and shaping devolved and local power.
Millions are heading to polling stations across England, Scotland and Wales for a landmark set of elections—the biggest test of public opinion since the 2024 general election. Polls open from 07:00 BST to 22:00 BST on Thursday, with results expected the following day and into the weekend. The vote will shape national and local leadership as Labour seeks to consolidate power after its 2024 win and as parties contend with the country’s devolved structures. Voters will decide who runs Scotland’s parliament, Wales’s Senedd, and a large slate of councils and six mayors across England, making this a broad barometer of political sentiment three years into Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s premiership.
In Scotland, all 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament are up for re-election, with the Scottish National Party seeking to translate support into policy on health, education and other devolved areas. In Wales, Labour has held government since devolution, and 92 Senedd seats are at stake in an election that could redefine how devolved powers are exercised. Across England, about 5,000 councillors in 136 local authorities are contesting control, along with six mayoralties, in contests that will determine the management of schools, social care, rubbish collection and transport.
A key logistical note: in England, every adult voting in person must show a valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. There is no analogous ID requirement in Scotland or Wales, where voting rules differ. The results will offer a snapshot of public opinion since the last general election and could influence Labour’s strategy as it navigates a still-polarised political landscape. Analysts have highlighted the potential for shifts in devolved politics, with discussions around whether Reform or Plaid Cymru could gain traction in certain regions, even if forming government remains uncertain. The night is expected to bring a flurry of seat-by-seat updates across Scotland, Wales and England, setting the tone for the political year ahead.
