What You Need to Know About the May Elections in England, Scotland, and Wales?

On Thursday, 7 May, millions of voters across the UK will participate in critical elections, including the Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections, alongside local council and mayoral polls in England. This is the most significant electoral event since the 2024 general election, with around 5,000 seats contested in 136 councils. Voter participation is essential as these elections will shape governance in key areas such as health, education, and local services.

Last updated: 30 April 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The UK is gearing up for a major electoral event on 7 May 2024, as millions of voters prepare to head to the polls. In Scotland, all 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) will be elected, while voters in Wales will choose representatives for a newly expanded Senedd. In England, local council elections will see elections across 30 councils, following a recent government U-turn to proceed with these elections after previously planned delays.

As a result of legal advice stemming from pressure, including a challenge from Reform UK, the government has reversed its decision to postpone elections in certain areas. This change allows voters to engage in vital decisions that affect their local services and governance.

Key takeaways

Major elections are scheduled for 7 May, affecting Scotland, Wales, and local councils in England.
Approximately 5,000 council seats will be contested across 136 councils.
The Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections will determine governance in key areas like health and education.
New voting regulations require valid photo ID for local elections in England.
Registration deadlines are approaching; voters must register by 20 April to participate.

Timeline: how we got here

Below is a brief timeline of key events leading up to the elections on 7 May 2024:

1999: Establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.
2020: Welsh Assembly renamed Senedd Cymru.
February 2024: Government announces elections will proceed after legal advice.
20 April 2024: Deadline for voter registration for the elections.
7 May 2024: Scheduled elections across the UK.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent announcement from the government confirms that elections will proceed, reversing earlier decisions that allowed for delays in certain councils. This decision has implications for the electoral landscape, as it opens the door for voters to have a say in their local governance after a period of uncertainty.

What was already established

The frameworks for voting in the Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections have been in place since their inception in 1999. Voters are accustomed to the first-past-the-post system for constituency MSPs and a proportional representation system for regional seats in Scotland. The Senedd elections will see an increase in representation, expanding the number of Members of the Senedd from 60 to 96.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK citizens, the outcomes of these elections will directly influence local services including education, healthcare, and public transport. Many councils are facing financial constraints, resulting in cuts to services and increased council tax. The elections provide an opportunity for voters to express their priorities and hold local authorities accountable.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses will be watching the electoral outcomes closely, as changes in local governance can impact regulations, funding, and support for local economies. The elections may also influence hiring practices, especially within the public sector, as councils look to adapt to the new political landscape.

Policy and regulation

The elections will shape forthcoming policies at both the national and local levels. For instance, the Scottish Parliament's election outcomes could affect health and education policies significantly, while the Welsh Senedd elections are poised to influence agriculture and transport policies. Upcoming consultations and policy decisions will be closely linked to the results from these elections.

Numbers that matter

5,000: Number of council seats up for election across 136 councils.
129: Total MSPs in the Scottish Parliament being elected.
96: Number of Members of the Senedd after the 2024 election, up from 60.
30: Number of councils in England where elections will take place this May.
20 April 2024: Deadline for voter registration to participate in the elections.

Definitions and jargon buster

MSP: Member of the Scottish Parliament.
Senedd: The Welsh Parliament, formerly known as the National Assembly for Wales.
First past the post: An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins.
Proportional representation: An electoral system that allocates seats based on the percentage of votes received.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Voters should ensure they are registered by the 20 April deadline and familiarise themselves with polling locations and voting requirements, especially the new ID regulations for local elections in England.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-election, stakeholders will need to monitor the formation of new governments and the implementation of policies based on election outcomes. This period will also see local councils adjusting budgets and services based on the new political climate.

Signals to watch

Turnout rates in the elections as an indicator of public engagement.
The formation of local administrations and the allocation of key portfolios.
Early policy announcements from newly elected representatives.

Practical guidance

Do

Ensure you are registered to vote by the deadline.
Check your voting requirements, especially regarding ID for local elections in England.
Engage with local candidates and understand their policies.

Don’t

Don’t leave registration until the last minute; verify your status early.
Don’t assume you can vote without ID in local elections in England.
Don’t ignore local issues that may affect your community.

Checklist

Check your voter registration status.
Understand the new ID requirements for the local elections.
Research candidates and their policies.
Mark your calendar for the election date.
Plan how you will vote: in person, by post, or by proxy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the elections are set to proceed, uncertainties remain regarding voter turnout and potential last-minute changes to regulations or polling locations. Furthermore, the backlash from opposition parties regarding the government's previous delay in elections may influence voter sentiment. It's essential to remain cautious about the implications of these outcomes, as the political landscape could shift dramatically based on the results.

Bottom line

The upcoming elections on 7 May 2024 represent a pivotal moment for voters in Scotland, Wales, and England. With significant changes to local governance and representation, these elections will shape policies affecting everyday life for millions. Engaging in the electoral process is crucial for holding local authorities accountable and ensuring that public services meet community needs.

FAQs

What elections are taking place on 7 May 2024?

The elections on 7 May 2024 include the Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd elections in Wales, and local council elections in England.

Do I need ID to vote in the local elections in England?

Yes, valid photo ID is required for local elections in England. This can include a passport or driving licence.

What is the deadline to register to vote?

The deadline for voter registration for the elections is 20 April 2024. Make sure you register before this date to participate.