North East 2026 Local Elections: Key Dates, Results, and Potential Changes

Voters across the North East will head to the polls on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm. Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, is required for in-person voting.

Where votes will be cast

Local elections take place in the five boroughs of Tyne and Wear. Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside, and North Tyneside hold ballots. Hartlepool also holds local contests on the same day.

• Newcastle: all seats contested, 78 councillors to be elected.
• Gateshead: all seats contested, 66 councillors to be elected.
• Sunderland: all seats contested, 75 councillors to be elected.
• South Tyneside: all seats contested, 54 councillors to be elected.
• North Tyneside: one third of seats up, one councillor for each of 20 wards.
• Hartlepool: 12 of 36 council seats are being contested.

Why not everywhere is voting

Certain county and unitary councils use four-year cycles. Durham and Northumberland last held county polls in May 2025. Their next contests are due in 2029.

Unitary authorities in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, and Darlington are next due in 2027. Mayoral elections for the North East and Tees Valley are scheduled for May 2028.

Key dates and how to take part

Nominations close on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Lists of candidates will follow that date. Voter registration closes at 11.59pm on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Apply for a postal vote by 5pm on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Proxy and Voter Authority Certificate applications must arrive by 5pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

What is at stake

These council polls could reshape the region’s political map. Labour currently leads Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, and South Tyneside. National polling suggests challenges for the party on the day.

Reform UK saw major success in County Durham in 2025. The party aims to build on that result elsewhere in the North East. Its national figures have campaigned in the region and forecast gains.

Contests to watch

Newcastle is a closely watched battleground. Labour runs a minority administration there. The Liberal Democrats have been the official opposition since 2011.

Reform and the Greens have increased their profile locally. The Greens were strengthened by the recruitment of former North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll. Those forces could change council compositions.

Gateshead has faced criticism over local issues. The closure of the A167 flyover is a recent controversy. Opponents see that issue as an opening to win seats.

South Tyneside has seen Labour support erode. Greens and independents have made advances in recent contests. Reform also hopes to make inroads there.

North Tyneside’s Labour group defends 17 seats and retains a comfortable majority. Hartlepool’s Labour group holds 21 of 36 seats and could face losses.

Counting and result timings

Tyne and Wear councils will count votes during daytime on Friday, May 8, 2026. All-out councils will likely split counts into morning and afternoon sessions. Final wards are expected to be declared by about 5pm on Friday.

Hartlepool Borough Council plans an overnight count. Results there may be announced in the early hours following polling day.

Where to find more information

Lists of candidates and local arrangements will be published after nominations close on April 9, 2026. Voters can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Filmogaz.com will provide live updates on key developments. Coverage will include key dates, results, and the potential changes facing councils after the 2026 local elections.