The political landscape in Barnet has undergone a significant shift following the 2026 local government elections, resulting in a council with no single party in majority control. After a day of counting at the RAF Museum that concluded at 8:40 pm on Friday, the final tallies confirmed a tie between the two major parties, leaving the borough in a state of ‘No Overall Control’ (NOC).
In a result that marks a stark departure from the previous administration, both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party secured exactly 31 seats each. With 63 seats available across 24 wards, neither side reached the 32-seat threshold required for an absolute majority. The Green Party maintained a presence on the council, securing a single seat that may prove pivotal in upcoming governance discussions.
Seat distribution and election data
The 2026 results represent a major recovery for the Conservatives and a setback for Labour, which previously held a comfortable majority. The surge in candidate participation—rising from 207 in 2022 to a record 312 this year—suggests a high level of local political engagement across the borough.
| Political Party | 2026 Seats Won | Previous Council Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party | 31 | 40 |
| Conservative Party | 31 | 19 |
| Green Party | 1 | 1 |
| Others / Vacant | 0 | 3 |
The previous council makeup included 40 Labour councillors, giving them a clear mandate that has now evaporated. The Conservatives gained 12 seats compared to their 2022 standing, while Labour lost nine. The remaining seats in the previous term were held by two non-aligned councillors (representing Reform and the Green Party) and two vacancies.
Governance and the ‘No Overall Control’ status
When a council enters No Overall Control, no single group can pass a budget or appoint a leader without the support of others. This outcome necessitates a period of intense negotiation between party leaders. In Barnet, the lone Green Party councillor now occupies a strategic position, though the two major parties could also explore a grand coalition or a minority administration arrangement where one party governs on a vote-by-vote basis.
Cath Shaw, Barnet Council’s Returning Officer and Chief Executive, oversaw the operation involving more than 400 count staff. Shaw expressed gratitude to the teams ensuring a smooth process and congratulated the successful candidates. She noted that the council executive looks forward to working with all elected members to deliver services for those who live, work, and study in the borough.
Next steps for Barnet residents
For residents, the immediate impact on daily services will be minimal. Council operations, including waste collection, social care, and planning, continue to function as usual under the existing professional staff. The political leadership, however, remains unconfirmed until the formal transition of power occurs.
Elected members will spend the coming days in private discussions to determine how the council will be governed. The formal position and the appointment of key roles, such as the Mayor and Committee Chairs, will be confirmed at the Council’s Annual Meeting scheduled for 19 May. This meeting will serve as the deadline for parties to agree on administration arrangements and leadership structures for the upcoming term.
Until the May 19 meeting, the borough remains in a transitional phase. The record-breaking number of candidates and the resulting tie reflect a deeply divided electorate, placing the responsibility on the 63 elected officials to find a collaborative path forward for the borough’s 24 wards.
Source: Barnet Council
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