Election results

When no single political party wins enough seats to run the Council on its own, the election result is known as ‘no overall control’. This page explains what that means and what happens next.

Political make-up of the Council

The image shows how the 57 council seats are distributed between political parties following the election. No single party has enough seats to have overall control of the Council.

What does a ‘no overall control’ election result mean?

No party won a majority of seats, which is 29 or more, to take control of the Council. This outcome is known as ‘no overall control’. This is increasingly common in local government. Many councils across England operate without one party having overall control.

What happens next?

Over the coming days, councillors will discuss future governance arrangements in line with the Council’s Constitution. Formal decisions will be made at the Annual Council Meeting on Friday, 22 May 2026.

These include:

• the election of the Leader of the Council
• the appointment of Cabinet members
• portfolio responsibilities
• committee memberships

Who leads the Council in the meantime?

The Leader of the Council in place before the election remains in office until the Annual Council Meeting on 22 May 2026. At that meeting, councillors will formally agree the Council’s future leadership arrangements.

Changes to policies, services, or priorities

There are no immediate changes to council policies, services, or priorities following the election.

Any changes must follow the Council’s formal decision-making processes. This includes decisions made by Cabinet or committees where required.

Council officers will continue to provide professional advice and carry out decisions once they are formally agreed.