Birmingham's 2026 local election results have been fully declared, confirming predictions of a fractured political landscape. The elections saw dramatic shifts, with Reform UK and the Green Party capitalizing on voter frustration to surpass Labour and the Conservatives in council seats.
Independent candidates, the Liberal Democrats, and the Workers Party have also joined the diverse mix of parties and personalities now shaping Birmingham's political map.
Narrowest Margins
Several councillors secured their seats by just a handful of votes. In Small Heath, Mohammed Saeed won with 1,305 votes, only 31 ahead of Your Party's Shafaq Hussain. The Holyhead ward saw Rinkal Shergill triumph with 775 votes against Labour's Keshia Hamilton (751).
In Weoley and Selly Oak, Reform's Cherie Louise Waddingham defeated Conservative George Webb by 23 votes (1,525 to 1,502). The Glebe Farm and Tile Cross ward, the last to declare on Monday, saw Workers Party candidate Shehryar Kayani beat Reform's Satnam Tank by just six votes (1,163 to 1,157).
Labour's Nicky Brennan experienced a tense wait in Bournville and Cotteridge, ultimately retaining her seat by three votes over Green Party's Richard Winter (1,738 to 1,735). The closest contest was in Stockland Green, where Reform's Manni Butt won with 1,023 votes, a single vote more than Labour's Derek Douglas.
New Council Makeup
With no party holding overall control—51 seats needed for a majority—the council enters a new era. The final seat distribution is: Reform UK 23, Green Party 19, Labour 17, Conservatives 16, Independents 13, Liberal Democrats 12, Workers Party 1.
Coalition talks are expected in the coming days. Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders have stated their positions, while Reform UK group leader Councillor Jex Parkin indicated his party is unable to form an administration.
