This was not the result, however, following the 2024 election which saw Labour retaining an outright majority, holding 45 out of the 78 seats needed for control.
The last two years has been marked by growing misalignment with the Labour Party by Labour councillors in Newcastle. With 7 Labour Councillors defecting either to stand as Independent councillors or joining the Green Party.
Subsequent Labour councillor resignations and the August 2025 by-election loss to the Green Party in South Jesmond, perhaps suggest both Labour’s stronghold in Newcastle City Council is dwindling and the party is not in a strong position for the upcoming May elections.
Labour’s reducing support in local government reflects wider political trends across the UK. In May 2025,the Labour Party held 2% less council seats then they did in 2024 and insurgent parties such as Reform UK saw a huge spike in support, winning 677 local council seats across the councils that held elections (representing about 41% of the seats up for election in those areas).
With the election approaching, remember that Newcastle University students can vote and make a difference. The local council is responsible for planning and housing, managing community spaces and education to name a few roles. Students can register to vote both at their term time address and their home address. Your closest polling station address should be printed on your polling card, which will delivered by post before an election (provided you register).
The deadline for registering to vote is Monday 20th April 2026. The deadline for applying to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 21st April, should you want to vote remotely.
Register to vote link: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote