LONDON, 8 May 2026 — Responding to the local election results as they come in (up to 09:00), Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100, said:

"These are mixed results, with much still to declare. They confirm that British politics is fracturing into a multi-party contest. With projected vote shares showing no single party laying claim to a national mandate, local politics is becoming ever more important.

“Although climate wasn't at the top of many voters' minds as they headed to polling booths yesterday, the unfolding results will reshape who delivers clean power, warm homes and fresh air for the next four years.

“Lib Dem majorities in Stockport and Portsmouth, and Green advances in cities across the country, show parties with strong climate platforms securing chambers and breaking new ground up and down England. Holds for Labour in UK100 member councils like Chorley and Hammersmith & Fulham show that beneath the headlines lies a much more nuanced picture for climate leaders.

“That doesn’t mean we're blind to the fact we’re losing real climate champions on all sides. We’re saying goodbye to impactful leaders and cabinet members who lost their seats or stood down.

“In a fragmented politics, patient cross-party consensus-building has never been more important. As the only network of climate ambitious councils led by all parties, UK100 has our work cut out, but we have the experience and we’re ready to meet the moment."

ENDS

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More information: Liam Ward, UK100: liam.ward@uk100.org

Notes to editors

Christopher Hammond is available for interviews in reaction to the local election results as they develop.

About UK100

UK100 is the only network of ambitious local, regional and strategic authorities led by all political parties working together to tackle climate change. We help local leaders overcome challenges and turn innovation into solutions that work everywhere. We build the case for the powers needed to make change happen. From cities to villages, we help communities across the UK create thriving places powered by clean energy, with fresh air to breathe, warm homes to live in, and a healthy natural environment. UK100.org

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