2026 Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council election

2026 Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council election

7 May 2026 (2026-05-07)

All 66 seats to Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council
34 seats needed for a majority
 
Party Labour Liberal Democrats Independent
Last election 48 seats, 49.5% 18 seats, 25.6% 0 seats, 0.8%
Current seats 46[a][1] 18 2

Incumbent Leader

Martin Gannon
Labour



The 2026 Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council election is scheduled to be held on 7 May 2026, alongside the other local elections across the United Kingdom on the same day.[2]

Background

In 2024, Labour retained control of the council.[3]

Council composition

After 2024 election Before 2026 election
Party Seats Party Seats
Labour 48 Labour 45
Liberal Democrats 18 Liberal Democrats 18
Independent 0 Independent 2
Vacant N/A Vacant 1

Changes 2024–2026:

  • June 2024: Bob Goldsworthy (Labour) dies – by-election held September 2024[4]
  • September 2024:
    • Robert Waugh (Labour) wins by-election[5]
    • Sonya Hawkins (Liberal Democrats) resigns – by-election held October 2024[6]
    • Jane McCoid (Labour) leaves party to sit as an independent[7]
  • October 2024: Susan Craig (Liberal Democrats) wins by-election[8]
  • June 2025: Robert Waugh (Labour) leaves party to sit as an independent[9]
  • January 2026: Tom Graham (Labour) dies – seat left vacant until 2026 election[10]

Results

Birtley

Blaydon

Bridges

Chopwell & Rowlands Gill

Chowdene

Crawcrook & Greenside

Deckham

Dunston Hill & Whickham East

Dunston & Teams

Felling

High Fell

Lamesley

Lobley Hill & Bensham

Low Fell

Pelaw & Heworth

Ryton, Crookhill & Stella

Saltwell

Wardley & Leam Lane

Whickham North

Whickham South & Sunniside

Windy Nook & Whitehills

Winlaton & High Spen

References

  1. ^ Including the vacant seat in Windy Nook & Whitehills last held by Labour.
  1. ^ "Gateshead Council Composition: Latest". opencouncildata.co.uk. Open Council Data UK. Archived from the original on 10 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  2. ^ "Key dates for voters in 2026 | Electoral Commission". www.electoralcommission.org.uk. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Gateshead result - Local Elections 2024". BBC News. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  4. ^ Dawson, Kristy (24 June 2024). "Tributes following the death of 'dedicated and hard-working' councillor". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  5. ^ "Local Elections Archive Project — Bridges Ward". www.andrewteale.me.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  6. ^ Boothroyd, David. "Tories put on a West End show". LocalCouncils.co.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  7. ^ Shakespeare, Austen (23 September 2024). "Gateshead councillor resigns from Labour Party with attack on Government". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  8. ^ "Local Elections Archive Project — Whickham North Ward". www.andrewteale.me.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  9. ^ Boothroyd, David. "Social justice gets reformed". LocalCouncils.co.uk.
  10. ^ Shakespeare, Austen (16 January 2026). "Tributes paid to 'reliable, thoughtful and hard‑working' Gateshead councillor". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 28 January 2026.