The 2026 Preston City Council election was held on 7 May 2026, alongside the other local elections across the United Kingdom being held on the same day, to elect 16 of 48 members of Preston City Council in Lancashire, England.
Prior to the election, the council was under Labour majority control. At the election, the council went under no overall control. Labour remained the largest party, but fell three seats short of a majority. Labour managed to form a minority administration after the election; at the subsequent annual council meeting on 21 May 2026, the incumbent Labour leader of the council, Matthew Brown, was reappointed to the role.
Background In 2024, the Labour Party retained majority control of the council. In January 2026, the council asked for the election to be postponed pending local government reorganisation. However it was rescheduled on 16 February 2026.
Council composition After 2024 election Before 2026 election Party Seats Party Seats 30 26 12 14 6 5 0 1 0 3 Changes 2024–2026: May 2024: David Borrow (Labour) resigns – by-election held July 2024 July 2024: Sean Little (Liberal Democrats) gains by-election from Labour March 2025: Carol Henshaw (Labour) suspended from party September 2025: Robert Boswell (Labour) resigns – by-election held October 2025 Stephen Thompson (Conservative) joins Reform October 2025: Ronan Hodgson (Liberal Democrats) gains by-election from Labour Liz Atkins (Labour) leaves party to sit as an independent May 2026: Freddie Bailey (Labour) suspended from party
Election result
Ward results
Ashton
Brookfield
Cadley
City Centre
Deepdale
Fishwick & Frenchwood
Garrison
Greyfriars
Ingol & Cottam
Lea & Larches
Plungington
Preston Rural East
Preston Rural North
Ribbleton
Sharoe Green
St Matthew's
Notes
References