Reform take Littleborough seats in Local Elections
Littleborough has seen one of its most significant political shifts in years, as Reform UK won both the Littleborough Lakeside and Wardle, Shore & West Littleborough seats in the 2026 local council elections.
The results mean two high‑profile figures - current Mayor of Rochdale Janet Emsley and long‑serving outgoing councillor Ashley Dearnley - have lost their seats, with both wards electing Reform candidates who do not live in Littleborough.
Turnout across both wards was notably strong, with residents engaging heavily in what became a closely watched local contest.
In one of the biggest shocks, Victoria Howard (Reform UK) defeated sitting councillor and current Mayor of Rochdale Janet Emsley (Labour).
Result: Littleborough Lakeside
- Victoria Howard (REF) – 1,391 - elected
- Janet Ann Emsley (LAB) – 1,170
- Ian Jackson (CONS) – 454
- Paul Michael Wooten (GRN) – 274
- Emma Jane Griffin (LIBDEM) – 125
Turnout: 46.18%
Howard’s victory marks a major change for the ward, which has traditionally leaned towards Labour. Emsley, having served Littleborough for 12 years, now leaves the council following the loss of her seat.
The neighbouring ward delivered a second win for Reform, with Philip Barrett securing the seat previously held by long‑standing Conservative councillor Ashley Dearnley, who stepped down this year.
Result: Wardle, Shore and West Littleborough
- Philip Barrett (REF) – 1,466 - elected
- Matthew Frederick Hargreaves (CONS) – 1,209
- James Joshua McCarron (LAB) – 451
- Adam Mir (GRN) – 328
- Kim Ho (LIBDEM) – 169
- Laura Pugh (WPB) – 39
Turnout: 43.87%
Barrett’s win gives Reform a clean sweep across the two Littleborough wards.
Both newly elected councillors live outside Littleborough, a point that featured prominently in local discussion during the campaign. Their victories reflect a broader trend of Reform gaining traction across Rochdale borough and the UK as a whole.
The results also mean Littleborough will now be represented by two first‑time Reform councillors, ending long periods of Labour and Conservative influence in the area.
The new councillors will take up their seats immediately as Rochdale Borough Council begins its next municipal year. Committee appointments, leadership roles, and cabinet positions will be confirmed at the council’s annual meeting later this month.