Why we’ve made this…
The 2026 local elections are shaping up to be a key moment in the contest between progressives and the far right. The stakes are real. In many places, residents could find themselves living under Reform-led councils. But these elections also matter because the results that comes out of May will shape the terrain for the next general election.
That’s why we’ve pulled together the Winning in May briefings.
This is a series of six short guides, each focused on a core area of campaigning. They bring together insights from Campaign Lab’s research and experiments, alongside the wider academic evidence on what actually works in campaigns. Each briefing includes practical recommendations, simple step-by-step guidance, and tools and templates that teams can use straight away.
We’ve written them to be useful for campaigns at lots of different stages. Some readers will be volunteers or candidates building a campaign structure for the first time. Others will be experienced teams running sophisticated operations. Our aim is the same in both cases: to give progressive campaigners a practical edge in the run-up to May.
We’ll also host a weekly Friday lunchtime Zoom drop-in, where campaigners can ask questions about the briefings and share ideas and best practice with each other. If that sound interesting to you sign up here.
The Six Briefings
Tips and Tricks for Local Campaigners
Organising and Mobilising Your Campaign
Become a Research Partner
Campaign Lab exists to strengthen progressive politics by generating and sharing practical research, insights and tools. This work is only possible because campaigners and organisers across the country volunteer their time and allow us to study what works in real campaigns.
If you would be interested in collaborating with Campaign Lab on future research projects, trials or pilots, or if you have an idea for a campaign tool or challenge, please get in touch at [email protected].
A Final Word
Ultimately, the front line in responding to the rise of the far right lies with the councillors, candidates and activists who represent their communities every day. Much of this work is quiet and often goes unrecognised, but it is essential to maintaining strong local democracy and preventing the far right from establishing a foothold.
The challenge facing progressive campaigners is therefore both difficult and important. Local elections are decided through organisation, persistence and community engagement, and the efforts of dedicated local teams will shape the political landscape far beyond their wards and councils.
From everyone at Campaign Lab, we stand with the progressives campaigning across the country this May. The stakes are high, and we wish you every success in the fights ahead.