Local elections 2026: Reform UK take control of Wakefield Council

The party has taken Pontefract North from Labour and now have enough councillors to form a majority.

There are still seats to be counted but so far the former Labour majority is being wiped out.

Earlier, Wakefield Council Leader Denise Jeffery lost her seat in Castleford and Glasshoughton and other experienced Labour members have also fallen.

Speaking after her defeat she said: "It's a devastating day.

"I feel that, through no fault of our own, we have lost Wakefield Council.

“I do feel the blame lies with the government, in particular the Prime Minister.

“It's not a toxic Labour brand, I think it's a toxic Starmer brand.”

And newly elected Altofts and Whitwood John Thomas, who is Reform Branch chairman for Pontefract, Castleford and Normanton said: "We were hoping for a large number of seats.

"But it is beyond out wildest imaginsations.

"They have been out from morning until night knocking on doors and talking to people, trying to understand what the issues are and how people are feeling."

Wakefield Council's previous make up was:

Labour: 48 seats

Independents: 5 seats

Unity Group: 5 seats

Lib Dems: 2 seats

Reform: 2 seats

Conservatives: 1 seat

Green Party: 1 seat

Read our live coverage of the election here.