Region by Region
Click on the hot spots on the map to jump to our regional analysis
Here we explore how political change is playing out differently across England’s regions, highlighting distinct risks and communications considerations.
London
A highly politicised housing environment now characterised by increased Green and Reform UK representation alongside weakened Labour dominance in some boroughs.
Party Standing
Labour remains the largest force across London but lost control or influence in several boroughs, with notable Green breakthroughs in inner London and a landmark Reform UK win in Havering.
What this means for housing associations
Housing is routinely cited in debates about homelessness, temporary accommodation and safety, increasing the likelihood of housing providers being drawn into political narratives.
Comms implication
Maintain borough‑agnostic messaging focused on residents, safety and service delivery and prepare for intense local media interest where control has shifted or is contested.
North East
A region of continued Labour strength, but with visible erosion from Reform UK and independents in key authorities.
Party Standing
Labour remains the dominant party across most councils, though Reform UK has secured growing representation and reduced long standing majorities in several areas such as Hartlepool, Sunderland and Gateshead.
What this means for housing associations
Housing issues are increasingly framed through cost of living, fairness and neglect narratives, often focused on individual estates or residents rather than system-wide challenges. Housing providers may find themselves referenced as examples in wider political debate, even where services are performing well.
Comms implication
Prepare for politically framed case study media approaches and ensure communications consistently reframe issues around delivery, evidence and resident outcomes rather than political responsibility.
North West
One of the most politically volatile regions, with long‑established Labour dominance disrupted by Reform UK and shifting voter coalitions.
Party Standing
Labour remains the largest party across the region overall but has lost control or influence in several authorities, including Tameside and Blackburn with Darwen, increasing the prevalence of No Overall Control and more contested leadership arrangements.
What this means for housing associations
Housing providers face heightened scrutiny around repairs, neighbourhood services and homelessness, with housing increasingly positioned as shorthand for wider public service failure. Political change may also bring increased challenge to partnership working and existing programme priorities.
Comms implication
Maintain tightly evidence based messaging and avoid being drawn into narratives that seek to link housing performance to local political leadership or competence.
West Midlands
Another region experiencing growing fragmentation, with Labour‑led local authorities now operating in a more contested political environment.
Party Standing
Labour remains the largest party in several metropolitan authorities, including Wolverhampton, but has lost control in others. Sandwell is now controlled by Reform UK, ending decades of Labour leadership. Across the Black Country, Reform UK and smaller parties now hold sufficient representation to influence outcomes and decision‑making, even where Labour remains the largest single group.
What this means for housing associations
Regeneration, development and investment activity is more likely to attract political challenge, particularly where schemes are highly visible or linked to wider place based change. Housing providers may be asked to justify decisions through a political lens rather than an operational one.
Comms implication
Ensure messaging clearly separates operational delivery from political debate, and align public communications closely with agreed facts, timelines and governance processes.
East Midlands and East of England
A politically mixed region where Reform UK’s gains have altered established patterns of control and influence.
Party Standing
Several councils across the East Midlands and East of England have moved away from single‑party dominance, increasing reliance on negotiated leadership and informal coalitions. In the East of England, Reform UK took control of Essex and Suffolk county councils and emerged as the largest party in Norfolk, while in the East Midlands Reform made significant gains in authorities including Leicestershire, reducing established majorities and increasing political fragmentation.
What this means for housing associations
Decision making is likely to slow and scrutiny of housing performance may intensify as administrations seek to demonstrate differentiation and accountability. Clear explanations of roles, responsibilities and constraints will become increasingly important.
Comms implication
Build flexibility into communications planning and be cautious about signalling certainty on schemes or initiatives until political agreement is secured.
South East
A patchwork political landscape where planning and development remain key flashpoints.
Party Standing
Liberal Democrats hold or share control in a growing number of South East councils, including Guildford and Winchester. Conservatives retain pockets of influence, while several authorities — such as Basildon and Basingstoke and Deane — continue to operate under No Overall Control, contributing to more negotiated governance.
What this means for housing associations
Development activity is highly sensitive, with organised local opposition and greater scrutiny of consultation, density and infrastructure impact. Housing providers are more likely to be criticised or misinterpreted if their actions or communications are seen as favouring one political approach over another.
Comms implication
Keep planning communications factual and process led, avoiding language that can be interpreted as advocacy or political positioning.
South West
A highly localised political environment where context matters more than party labels.
Party Standing
Liberal Democrats have strengthened or maintained their position in councils such as Cheltenham and North Devon. Elsewhere, including Stroud and several Somerset‑area authorities operating under No Overall Control, Greens and independents hold influential positions, contributing to more negotiated and less predictable governance.
What this means for housing associations
Local identity, environmental concerns and community impact strongly shape debate, meaning that even routine activity can be interpreted politically if poorly framed or timed.
Comms implication
Tailor messaging carefully by locality, avoid one‑size‑fits‑all regional statements and anticipate candidate interest in specific schemes and sites.