Election results conclude across Wales, Scotland and England

May 14, 2026

3 min read

National elections on 7 May 2026 across Wales and Scotland, alongside local elections in England, have significantly reshaped the UK political landscape, with major shifts in party fortunes and the emergence of new political dynamics.

In Wales, voters went to the polls under a reformed electoral system, which expanded the Senedd from 60 to 96 members, reduced constituencies to 16, and shifted to four-year terms. Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party with 43 seats, although short of a majority, marking a historic turning point. Labour suffered a dramatic collapse, winning just nine seats, while Reform UK surged to 34 seats to become the official opposition.

Following the election, Rhun ap Iorwerth was formally confirmed as First Minister, ending nearly three decades of Labour leadership since devolution began in 1999. Plaid Cymru has formed a minority government, with key roles relevant to logistics including:

Adam Price – Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy

Mark Hooper – Deputy Minister for Transport

Elin Jones – Cabinet Minister for Finance

Siân Gwenllian – Local Government, Housing and Planning

Cefin Campbell – Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education

In Scotland, voters elected 129 MSPs, comprising 73 constituency representatives and 56 regional members. The SNP remained the largest party with 58 seats, seven short of a majority and will form the next government, either as a minority government or by forming a coalition. Labour and Reform UK each secured 17 seats, representing a notable breakthrough for Reform UK in Scotland.

Government formation processes are now underway in both devolved administrations. In Wales, the Presiding Officer and First Minister have been confirmed, while in Scotland elections for Presiding Officers took place on 14 May, with John Swinney expected to be formally re-elected on 19 May, followed by ministerial appointments on 20 and 21 May.

Across England, Labour experienced heavy losses in local elections, losing 1,496 councillors and control of 38 councils, with many authorities moving into no overall control. Reform UK made significant gains, securing 1,451 councillors and taking control of eight councils. The Green Party also advanced, particularly in London, gaining an additional 441 councillors and becoming the largest party in several boroughs.

The Conservatives continued to lose ground, shedding 563 councillors and control of seven councils, although they did regain Westminster City Council. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats overtook the Conservatives to become the third largest party by councillor numbers, with 844 councillors and control of 15 councils, following gains of 155 councillors.

Logistics UK will write to the incoming First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, as well as relevant Cabinet members with responsibility for logistics, to seek early engagement on the priorities set out in our Scottish and Welsh manifestos.