Hull Daily Mail: Reform UK wins 10 seats as Lib Dems lose majority

Hull Daily Mail reports Hull City Council has become a no overall control authority after the 2026 elections, with the Liberal Democrats losing their majority and Reform UK winning 10 seats. The Liberal Democrats remain the largest party, but they now need support from elsewhere in the chamber to pass key votes.

Hull City Council elections

Nineteen of the 57 seats were contested, with elections held in all but two council wards. Before the vote, the Liberal Democrat group held a majority of one. After the count, that position was gone, and the party was down three seats overall.

Reform UK entered the Guildhall without any seats and left with 10. Its results came in seats that had previously been held by the Labour Party, while Labour held on to one of its eight seats up for election.

Bricknell ward

Cllr Sharon Hofman, the Labour Group deputy leader, retained her seat in Bricknell ward. Her result was one of the few clear holds in an election that changed the council's balance of power and left no party with a majority.

Hull City Council now joins East Riding Of Yorkshire Council as a hung council. For residents and councillors alike, the practical effect is straightforward: the Liberal Democrats can lead the largest group, but they cannot govern the chamber alone and will need backing from other councillors to get key decisions through.