Reform UK Wins Six Seats as Turnout Varies Across Epping Forest Wards

*TL;DR: Reform UK captured six of the 18 seats on Epping Forest District Council, while turnout hovered between 38% and 55% in the contested wards.

Context Local elections on 7 May 2026 filled all 18 district council seats up for grabs in Epping Forest. The council elects a third of its members each year, meaning one‑third of the 54 seats were contested this cycle. Turnout— the proportion of registered voters who cast a ballot— varied widely by ward.

Key Facts - All 18 seats were declared on 8 May, completing the election count. - Reform UK won six seats: Buckhurst Hill East and Whitebridge, North Weald Bassett, Roydon and Lower Nazeing, Theydon Bois and Passingford, Waltham Abbey North, Waltham Abbey South and Rural, and Waltham Abbey West. - James Small secured the Buckhurst Hill East and Whitebridge seat with a 48% turnout. - Turnout figures ranged from a low of 38% in Loughton Fairmead, Waltham Abbey North, Waltham Abbey South and Rural, to a high of 55% in Epping West and Rural. - The Conservative Party held three seats, while Independent candidates from the Loughton Residents Association won three others.

What It Means Reform UK’s six victories give the party a stronger foothold in a council traditionally dominated by Conservatives and local independents. The party’s success came in both suburban and rural wards, suggesting appeal across diverse voter bases. However, the overall turnout remained below 60% in every ward, indicating limited voter engagement in local governance.

Low participation in wards such as Loughton Fairmead (38%) may reflect voter fatigue or satisfaction with the status quo, while higher engagement in Epping West and Rural (55%) could signal heightened local issues driving turnout. The mixed results underscore the importance of targeted campaigning and community outreach for all parties.

Looking Ahead The next election cycle in 2027 will test whether Reform UK can maintain or expand its presence, while parties will likely focus on boosting turnout in low‑participation areas.