Two local councils in England remain without appointed leadership more than two months after the May 7 local elections, highlighting ongoing challenges in forming stable administrations where no party has secured a majority.

Elections held across the country resulted in 64 councils with no outright majority party. In most cases, local parties have forged coalitions or minority administrations to govern. However, the councils of Oldham in Greater Manchester and Kirklees in West Yorkshire stand out as exceptions, where several attempts to elect a council leader have not succeeded.

Labour, which had governed Oldham since 2011, emerged as the largest party following the 2026 elections, securing 18 seats. Despite this, it has been unable to establish a ruling administration due to the council’s fragmented composition. Similarly, at Kirklees, the Reform Party became the largest faction with 29 seats, yet efforts to form a leadership structure have repeatedly stalled.

Both councils are scheduled to reconvene on July 15 to conduct further votes aimed at resolving the leadership deadlock. Until new administrations are formed, governance in these areas remains uncertain, underscoring the difficulties faced by councils operating without clear majorities.