On May 2, 2024, voters in the United Kingdom will participate in a series of elections spanning local authorities, police & crime commissioners, mayoral positions including the London mayoral race, and parliamentary by-elections. This voting event covers multiple regions in England and Wales, with results expected to unfold from the evening of the election until May 5.

The contest features the main political parties—the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and the Reform Party—each fielding candidates at varying levels of participation. Specifically, the Conservatives are contesting 95% of the council seats, Labour is contesting 91%, the Liberal Democrats 68%, the Green Party 62%, and the Reform Party 12%. In particular regions like Bolton and Sunderland, the Reform Party is challenging in all available seats, showing a selective but strategic presence.

The London mayoral election is marked by heightened competition this year, with incumbent Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan facing a stiffer challenge than expected from Conservative candidate Susan Hall. Hall has been gaining traction by focusing on key issues such as crime, safety, and taxes. This election is particularly significant as it could indicate shifts in voter sentiment within the capital.

In addition to the mayoral contests, other notable races include the parliamentary by-election in Blackpool South, where Labour hopes to capture the seat from the Conservatives, and the mayoral election in Tees Valley, which is considered a bellwether for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s political strength.

Results from these elections are pivotal for assessing the popularity and policy appeal of the participating parties across different regions, as they provide insights into the political landscape leading up to future national electoral challenges.