Conservatives Hold Bexley Council as Reform Gains Seats Bexley 2026

Key Points

• The Conservative Party retained control of Bexley Council, extending its leadership beyond two decades.
• Conservatives secured 29 out of 45 seats, losing just one seat overall.
• Reform UK entered the Bexley Council for the first time, winning seven seats.
• Labour secured nine seats, down from 12 in the 2022 elections.
• A recount delayed the final result in Slade Green and Northend ward due to a close contest between Labour and Reform UK.
• Conservative leader Councillor David Leaf described the victory as “business as usual” and “emotional”.
• Reform UK’s performance fell short of Nigel Farage’s earlier suggestion that the party could potentially win control of the council.
• Voting across several wards showed close contests, particularly between Conservatives and Reform UK.

Bexley (South London News) May 16, 2026 – The Conservative Party has reaffirmed its long-standing dominance over Bexley Council following the 2026 local elections, securing 29 of the 45 available seats.

As reported by Ross Lydall of the Evening Standard, the party lost only one seat during the election cycle, allowing it to maintain a firm majority in the south-east London borough.

This result extends the Conservatives’ control of Bexley beyond two decades, reinforcing the borough’s reputation as one of the party’s strongest bases in London.

Despite challenges from both Labour and the emerging Reform UK party, the Conservatives managed to hold the majority of wards, even in areas where vote margins were narrow.

The election results indicate that while voter competition has intensified, particularly with the emergence of Reform UK, the Conservatives’ established presence and voter base in Bexley remain resilient.

What role did Reform UK play in the election outcome?

Reform UK made a significant breakthrough by securing seven council seats, marking its first representation in Bexley Council. According to reporting by the Evening Standard, this development introduces a new political dynamic within the borough’s governance.

However, the outcome did not fully meet the expectations set by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. As previously reported by the Evening Standard, Farage had suggested that his party had a “real chance” of winning control of the council.

While Reform UK performed strongly in several wards, often competing closely with Conservative candidates, it ultimately fell short of securing enough seats to challenge for overall control.

The vote distribution showed that Reform UK was a strong contender in multiple areas, but the Conservative Party managed to retain key wards, limiting Reform’s overall gains.

Why was the final result delayed in Slade Green and Northend?

The announcement of the final council composition was delayed due to a recount in the Slade Green and Northend ward.

This two-seat ward saw an especially close contest between Labour and Reform UK candidates, making the initial count inconclusive.

Following the recount, Labour secured both seats in the ward. This result contributed to Labour’s final total of nine councillors.

The delay highlights the competitive nature of the election in certain parts of Bexley, particularly where emerging parties like Reform UK are gaining traction.

How did Labour perform compared to previous elections?

Labour experienced a decline in representation compared to the 2022 local elections. As reported by the Evening Standard, the party’s number of councillors dropped from 12 to nine.

This reduction aligns with broader national trends observed in the same election cycle. Labour’s performance in Bexley reflects challenges in maintaining support in certain areas, particularly where competition from both Conservatives and Reform UK has intensified.

Despite the losses, Labour was able to secure key wins, including the two seats in Slade Green and Northend following the recount, ensuring continued representation across the borough.

What did Conservative leader David Leaf say after the victory?

Following the election results, Conservative leader Councillor David Leaf addressed the outcome, describing it as both a continuation of established governance and a moment of personal significance.

As reported by Ross Lydall of the Evening Standard, Cllr Leaf stated that it would be “business as usual” in Bexley and confirmed he would return to work promptly to begin delivering on the party’s manifesto commitments.

Cllr Leaf said:

“We are obviously delighted that our residents have put their trust back in us again. It is bittersweet if I’m honest because some good, hardworking councillors lost their seats sadly. But we are pleased the residents put their trust in us.”

He also described the victory as “really emotional and moving,” adding that it was a privilege to continue serving the residents of Bexley.

How did the Conservatives respond to Reform UK’s presence?

Cllr Leaf also commented on Reform UK’s entry into Bexley Council, offering a critical perspective on the party’s role in local governance.

As reported by Ross Lydall of the Evening Standard, he said:

“They looked over the border and saw the chaos, broken promises, deceit and lies that Reform offer in local government in Kent and they didn’t want it here.”

When asked about Reform councillors now serving in Bexley, Cllr Leaf added:

“We get on with the job of representing our residents. They’re there to serve Nigel Farage’s ego.”

These remarks reflect political tensions between the established Conservative leadership and the newly elected Reform UK representatives.

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How competitive were the elections across Bexley wards?

The election results demonstrated a high level of competition in several wards, particularly between the Conservatives and Reform UK.

While the Conservatives retained overall control, the closeness of some contests suggests shifting voter dynamics in certain areas.

Reform UK’s ability to secure seven seats indicates growing support, even if it was not sufficient to challenge for control. Meanwhile, Labour’s reduced representation highlights a three-way contest in parts of the borough.

The recount in Slade Green and Northend further underscores how narrow margins influenced the final outcome, illustrating that voter preferences are becoming more fragmented.

Background: What is the political history of Bexley Council?

Bexley has long been considered a Conservative stronghold within London. The party has controlled the council for over 20 years, maintaining consistent electoral success across multiple election cycles.

Historically, the borough has demonstrated stable voting patterns, with Conservative candidates regularly securing majorities in council seats. Labour has maintained a presence but has not gained control in recent decades.

The emergence of Reform UK in the 2026 elections represents a notable shift in the borough’s political landscape, introducing a new competitor into what has traditionally been a two-party contest.

Prediction: How could these results affect Bexley residents?

The continuation of Conservative control suggests that existing policies and governance approaches in Bexley are likely to remain largely unchanged in the short term. Residents may see continuity in areas such as local services, council tax decisions, and infrastructure planning.

However, the presence of Reform UK councillors introduces an additional political voice within the council. This could influence debates, particularly on policy decisions where opposition parties seek to challenge the Conservative majority.