Liberal Democrats make big gain in Herts and Bucks council elections

Both majority controls have been lost, with LibDems coming ahead of Conservatives in Herts

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Author: Zoe Head-ThomasPublished 2nd May 2025

A Conservative majority has been lost in Buckinghamshire, with Liberal Democrats coming ahead in Hertfordshire.

The Stoke Mandeville Stadium count saw Conservatives shy of two seats to retain a historic overall control.

Meanwhile in Hertfordshire Conservatives have lost their majority and made way for the Liberal Democrats, who came ahead by nine seats.

Reform UK made progress in both counties but only gained a handful of seats in Buckinghamshire, while the party won the third most seats in Hertfordshire.

Labour performed similarly to previous elections in both counties.

Buckinghamshire council history

Buckinghamshire Council has been a unitary authority since 2020, with a boundary extending from Buckingham in the north of the county to Marlow in the very south.

Looking back at the geographical history of the council, it has had an ever-evolving map, once comprising parts of North Berkshire.

Prior to Milton Keynes becoming a city and creating its own council, it had also once formed part of the county council.

Politically, since its creation, the council has always retained a Conservative majority.

Election results and turnout

Conservatives came ahead of the polls with 48 seats won, while Liberal Democrats came second, winning 27 seats.

However Tories were two seats away from retaining a majority.

The overall turnout was 37%.

You can see a breakdown of each councillor elected for each ward on the council website.

Hertfordshire council history

Hertfordshire County Council for 26 years now has seen a Conservatives majority, since 1999.

No overall majority was held directly before then, with the same results alternating in its history of elections.

Election results and turnout

Liberal Democrats came ahead of the polls with 31 seats won, while Conservatives came second with 22.

In voting percentages, both parties performed the same, with 26%.

Reform UK has made significant progress, coming third with 14 seats and 24% of overall votes.

Turnout was 32%.

You can see a breakdown of each councillor elected for each ward on the relevant council websites, with an overall picture on Hertfordshire County Council website.

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