1988 United Kingdom local elections

The 1988 United Kingdom local elections were held on Thursday 5 May 1988. The Conservative government held its ground and remained ahead in the projected popular vote.

The election resulted in the Conservative Party winning 39% of the popular vote, the Labour Party winning 38% and the Social and Liberal Democrats (SLD) 18%. The Conservatives gained 9 seats, Labour gained 76 seats and the SLD lost 122 seats.

These were the first national elections contested by the SLD, which had just been formed as a merger of the SDP and Liberals after several years of an alliance existing between the two parties.

Summary of results

England

Metropolitan boroughs

All 36 metropolitan borough councils had one third of their seats up for election.

District councils

In 117 districts one third of the council was up for election.

Scotland

District councils

References

• Local elections 2006. House of Commons Library Research Paper 06/26.
• Vote 1999 BBC News
• Vote 2000 BBC News

1. 1997 United Kingdom local elections
2. 1999 United Kingdom local elections
3. 1995 United Kingdom local elections
4. 1998 United Kingdom local elections
5. 1996 United Kingdom local elections
6. 1990 United Kingdom local elections
7. 1994 United Kingdom local elections
8. 1986 United Kingdom local elections
9. 1989 United Kingdom local elections
10. 1992 United Kingdom local elections
11. 1993 United Kingdom local elections
12. 1991 United Kingdom local elections
13. 1987 United Kingdom general election
14. 1987 United Kingdom local elections
15. 1988 Scottish local elections
16. 1992 United Kingdom general election
17. SDP–Liberal Alliance
18. 1997 United Kingdom general election
19. 2017 United Kingdom general election
20. 2010 United Kingdom general election