Reform UK has secured a majority by 14 seats.
Reform UK has gained political control of Essex County Council with a total of 53 seats after residents across the county voted on 7 May 2026.
Now all the votes have been counted, the political makeup of the council is as follows:
- Reform UK – 53
- Conservative Party – 13
- Liberal Democrats – 5
- Independent – 2
- Green Party – 1
- Labour Party – 1
- Residents for Uttlesford – 1
- The People’s Independent Party – 1
Voter turnout across the county was 43.6%, the highest it has been for decades.
Visit the Essex County Council website to see the full results for all divisions.
A record 428 candidates ran for election to Essex County Council in 2026. It marks an almost 25% increase from the 350 who stood in the previous elections in 2021.
The next annual meeting of the council will be held on 28 May 2026 where a Leader of the Council will be elected in accordance with the council’s constitution.
Cllr Peter Schwier AIEMA
Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction & Recycling
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