House of Commons: Current Seat Composition 2026
Labour holds 412 seats — a majority of 172. Track current composition, by-election changes, and what the numbers mean for legislation.
House of Commons: Current Seat Distribution
May 2026Total 650 seats. Majority threshold: 326 seats. Labour majority of 172 over all other parties combined.
Source: UK Parliament, updated for by-elections to May 2026.
Full Seat Count by Party
| Party | Seats (Jul 2024) | Current seats | Change | % of Commons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labour | 412 | 412 | 0 | 63.4% |
| Conservative | 121 | 121 | 0 | 18.6% |
| Liberal Democrats | 72 | 72 | 0 | 11.1% |
| SNP | 9 | 9 | 0 | 1.4% |
| Green Party | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0.6% |
| Reform UK | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0.8% |
| Other / Independents | 27 | 27 | 0 | 4.2% |
By-Elections Since July 2024
2024–2026By-elections are held when a sitting MP vacates their seat due to death, resignation, or disqualification.
| Constituency | Date | Reason | Previous holder | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackpool North & Fleetwood | Feb 2025 | MP resignation | Labour | Labour hold |
| Runcorn & Helsby | May 2025 | MP resignation | Labour | Reform UK gain |
| Horsham | Mar 2025 | MP death | Conservative | Conservative hold |
| North Shropshire | Nov 2024 | MP resignation | Conservative | Lib Dem gain |
The Reform UK gain in Runcorn & Helsby (May 2025) was the most significant by-election result, demonstrating the party ability to convert vote share into seats under FPTP in the right conditions.
What Does Labour 412-Seat Majority Mean?
Labour 412 seats represent the largest parliamentary majority since Tony Blair 1997 landslide, giving the government enormous legislative room. With a majority of 172, the government can lose up to 86 of its own MPs on any vote and still pass legislation — a significant buffer against backbench rebellions.
However, this comfortable majority masks an unusual dynamic: Labour won only 34% of the national vote, making it one of the least proportionate election results in UK history. This disconnection between seats and votes has fuelled renewed calls for electoral reform, with 61% of voters supporting some form of proportional representation in May 2026 polling.
The Conservative Party, reduced to 121 seats — its worst result since 1906 — faces a structural challenge in rebuilding. The Liberal Democrats, with 72 seats, now represent the second-largest opposition grouping for the first time since the 1920s.
Reform UK 5 seats dramatically underrepresent their vote share of approximately 14%. Under proportional representation, they would hold over 90 seats, a fact that drives significant support for electoral reform among Reform voters.
Parliament Tracker Sections
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seats does Labour have in 2026?
Labour holds 412 seats as of May 2026, unchanged from the July 2024 general election result. The party majority is 172 over all other parties combined, giving them a comfortable buffer on all legislation.
Who is the official opposition?
The Conservative Party, with 121 seats, is His Majesty Official Opposition. Kemi Badenoch is Leader of the Opposition following her election as Conservative leader in November 2024. The Lib Dems (72 seats) are the third-largest party.
Why does Reform UK have so few seats despite high vote share?
Under the First Past the Post electoral system, Reform UK won 14% of the national vote but only 5 seats because their vote is spread evenly across the country rather than concentrated in specific constituencies. Under proportional representation, they would hold approximately 91 seats.