Photo: Originally uploaded by MarcusBritish (Transferred by Hogweard ) · CC BY-SA 3.0Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland was decided by 214 votes in 2024
Middlesbrough is run by Middlesbrough Borough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. Labour has a majority on Middlesbrough Borough Council. No party holds a majority on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. Middlesbrough is split between 3 parliamentary constituencies.
£2,547
Band D, a year, the middle band every council sets its tax from.
Where it goes →How Middlesbrough’s politics has changed since 2021
A majority on Middlesbrough Borough Council
Labour holds a majority on Middlesbrough Borough Council: 24 of its 46 seats as elected. Independents hold 16, the Conservatives 3, the Liberal Democrats 2 and Reform UK 1. Who’s in charge ↓
A close seat
Luke Myer (Labour) won Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland by 214 votes in July 2024, 0.56% of votes cast: the 13th-narrowest result of 543 in England. Parliament ↓
Council tax
A Band D bill in Middlesbrough is £2,548 for 2026–27; Middlesbrough Borough Council keeps 83% of it. The council area’s Band D has risen 48% in ten years, against England’s 56%. Council money ↓
Written from the data on this page: Democracy Club results since May 2021, the UK Parliament Members API and MHCLG council tax.
Who holds the seats on Middlesbrough’s councils
Seats by party as elected. A party needs 24 of Middlesbrough’s 46 or 30 of Redcar and Cleveland’s 59 seats to run the council alone.
- Labour24
- Independent16
- Conservative3
- Liberal Democrat2
- Reform UK1
Latest election: May 2023.
- Labour22
- Conservative12
- Liberal Democrat12
- Independent11
- East Cleveland Independent1
- Reform UK1
Latest election: May 2023.
Seats are counted from election results: each ward’s most recent winners until its seats are filled. Councillors who have since changed party or resigned aren’t reflected, and which parties lead the council, and who is leader, comes from the council itself.
Results: Democracy Club (CC BY 4.0), elections since May 2021; seats per ward from its EveryElection.
The councils that run Middlesbrough
One council runs every main service here.
The parish council for the part of Middlesbrough inside Nunthorpe parish.
3% of Middlesbrough’s residents · Band D precept £11
Every main council service: schools, social care, roads, bins, planning, housing and libraries.
95% of Middlesbrough’s residents · Led by an elected mayor: Chris Cooke (Labour and Co-operative), elected May 2023
Website ↗Every main council service: schools, social care, roads, bins, planning, housing and libraries.
5% of Middlesbrough’s residents
Website ↗Transport, skills and regeneration across several council areas. It is led by an elected mayor.
Mayor: Ben Houchen (Conservative), elected May 2024
Who to ask
From GOV.UK’s “Understand how your council works”: here one council runs every main service.
96% of Middlesbrough’s residents live outside any parish, with no parish council.
Councils from ONS lookups (wards and councils May 2026, parishes 2025), names and websites from GOV.UK’s local council finder; parish councils from MHCLG’s 2026–27 list of precepting parishes.
From the parish to Westminster
Every elected tier that speaks for Middlesbrough, from the most recent elections.
- 1Town or parishParish tierNunthorpe parish council
- 2Council wards20 wards · 48 councillorsLabour 28 · Independent 16 · Liberal Democrat 5 · Conservative 3 · Reform UK 1 · all 53
- 3Mayor of MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough Borough Council · elected May 2023Chris Cooke
- 4Mayor of Tees Valley Combined AuthorityTees Valley Combined Authority · elected May 2024Ben Houchen
- 5Police and crime commissionerCleveland Police · elected May 2024Matt Storey
- 6House of CommonsSplit between 3 constituencies
Party colours are neutral on purpose: they tell parties apart and aren’t the parties’ own. Tap an MP’s name for their contact page on parliament.uk.
48 councillors for 20 wards
Wards with at least 2% of the town’s residents, or half their own inside it. Each shows who won its most recent elections, newest first, until its seats are filled.
- Lewis YoungLabour · July 2024 · by-election
- Linda LewisLabour · May 2023
- Matt StoreyLabour · May 2023
- Zafar UddinLabour · May 2023
- Mary NugentLabour · May 2023
- Peter GaviganLabour · May 2023
- Joan McTigueIndependent · May 2023
- John KabuyeLabour · May 2023
- Jill EwanLabour · May 2023
- Anne RomaineLabour · May 2023
- Theo FurnessLabour · May 2023
- Julia RostronLabour · May 2023
- Edward ClynchLabour · May 2023
- Stella TranterLabour · May 2023
- Jack BanksLabour · May 2023
- Graham WilsonIndependent · May 2023
- Ian BladesLabour · May 2023
- Julia CookeLabour · May 2023
- Donna JonesIndependent · May 2023
- Brian HubbardIndependent · May 2023
- Mick SaundersIndependent · May 2023
- Stephen HillIndependent · May 2023
- David BransonLabour · May 2023
- Luke MasonConservative · May 2023
- Jo NicholsonLabour · May 2023
- Philippa StoreyLabour · May 2023
- Naweed HussainLabour · May 2023
- Tom MohanLabour · October 2024 · by-election
- Jeanette Ann WalkerLabour · May 2023
- Nicky WalkerLabour · May 2023
- Carole Anne MorganLiberal Democrat · May 2023
- Ian Stuart HartLiberal Democrat · May 2023
- Glyn NightingaleLiberal Democrat · May 2023
- Jackie YoungIndependent · August 2023 · by-election
- Antony HighLabour · May 2023
- Janet ThompsonLabour · May 2023
The other 8 wards
- Dennis McCabeIndependent · May 2023
- Christine CooperIndependent · May 2023
- Luke HenmanLabour · July 2024 · by-election
- Tom LivingstoneLiberal Democrat · May 2023
- Sheila DeanLabour · May 2023
- Dorothy DavisonIndependent · May 2023
- Jason Patrick McConnellIndependent · May 2023
- Tony GraingeIndependent · May 2023
- Luke HurstConservative · May 2023
- Ian MorrishIndependent · May 2023
- David JacksonIndependent · May 2023
- Jim PlattIndependent · May 2023
- Sharon PlattIndependent · May 2023
- Joanne RushReform UK · December 2025 · by-election
- Morgan McClintockLiberal Democrat · May 2023
- Mieka SmilesConservative · May 2023
- Jan RylesLabour · May 2023
Show as a table
| Ward | Seats | Elected | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| CentralMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 11,502 residents3 seats · July 2024, May 2023 | 3 | Lewis Youngby-electionLinda LewisMatt StoreyZafar Uddin | July 2024, May 2023 |
| Longlands & BeechwoodMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 11,233 residents3 seats · May 2023 | 3 | Mary NugentPeter GaviganJoan McTigue | May 2023 |
| NewportMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 10,774 residents3 seats · May 2023 | 3 | John KabuyeJill EwanAnne Romaine | May 2023 |
| ParkMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 9,590 residents3 seats · May 2023 | 3 | Theo FurnessJulia RostronEdward Clynch | May 2023 |
| Brambles & ThorntreeMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 9,312 residents3 seats · May 2023 | 3 | Stella TranterJack BanksGraham Wilson | May 2023 |
| Berwick Hills & PallisterMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 9,062 residents3 seats · May 2023 | 3 | Ian BladesJulia CookeDonna Jones | May 2023 |
| Park End & BeckfieldMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 8,326 residents3 seats · May 2023 | 3 | Brian HubbardMick SaundersStephen Hill | May 2023 |
| Coulby NewhamMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 8,042 residents3 seats · May 2023 | 3 | David BransonLuke MasonJo Nicholson | May 2023 |
| LinthorpeMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 6,710 residents2 seats · May 2023 | 2 | Philippa StoreyNaweed Hussain | May 2023 |
| HemlingtonMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 6,565 residents2 seats · October 2024, May 2023 | 2 | Tom Mohanby-electionJeanette Ann WalkerNicky Walker | October 2024, May 2023 |
| OrmesbyRedcar and Cleveland · all in Middlesbrough · 6,464 residents3 seats · May 2023 | 3 | Carole Anne MorganIan Stuart HartGlyn Nightingale | May 2023 |
| AyresomeMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 6,310 residents2 seats · August 2023, May 2023 | 2 | Jackie Youngby-electionAntony HighJanet Thompson | August 2023, May 2023 |
The other 8 wards
| Ward | Seats | Elected | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrimdonMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 6,305 residents2 seats · May 2023 | 2 | Dennis McCabeChristine Cooper | May 2023 |
| AcklamMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 5,899 residents2 seats · July 2024, May 2023 | 2 | Luke Henmanby-electionTom LivingstoneSheila Dean | July 2024, May 2023 |
| Marton EastMiddlesbrough · mostly in Middlesbrough · 5,536 residents2 seats · May 2023 | 2 | Dorothy DavisonJason Patrick McConnell | May 2023 |
| LadgateMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 5,514 residents2 seats · May 2023 | 2 | Tony GraingeLuke Hurst | May 2023 |
| Marton WestMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 5,339 residents2 seats · May 2023 | 2 | Ian MorrishDavid Jackson | May 2023 |
| KaderMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 4,810 residents2 seats · May 2023 | 2 | Jim PlattSharon Platt | May 2023 |
| NunthorpeMiddlesbrough · mostly in Middlesbrough · 4,729 residents2 seats · December 2025, May 2023 | 2 | Joanne Rushby-electionMorgan McClintockMieka Smiles | December 2025, May 2023 |
| North OrmesbyMiddlesbrough · all in Middlesbrough · 3,265 residents1 seat · May 2023 | 1 | Jan Ryles | May 2023 |
Councillors can resign, change party or sit as independents between elections; a by-election winner replaces someone not named here. Middlesbrough Borough Council’s website lists who sits now.
Results from Democracy Club’s candidates database (CC BY 4.0; elections since May 2021) and ward seats from its EveryElection, matched to ONS wards (May 2026) and county divisions (May 2025).
Middlesbrough Borough Council council election, May 2023
Results in the wards that make up Middlesbrough, as declared. Percentages are of votes cast for candidates in each ward; where a ward elects several councillors, each voter has that many votes.
20 wards voted. Every seat in the town’s wards was up.
No election is scheduled yet for Middlesbrough’s wards in Democracy Club’s list. Councils publish a notice of election about five weeks before polling day.
Who can I vote for? ↗3,704 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
3,221 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
3,481 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
Every ward’s result (17 more)
5,444 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
1,980 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
2,325 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
2,795 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
4,844 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
2,681 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
1,982 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
3,997 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
1,755 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
2,244 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
3,348 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
2,683 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
1,796 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
2,681 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
2,938 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
3,327 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
414 votes for candidates
Candidates and results: Democracy Club (CC BY 4.0), from councils’ declared results; polling dates from Democracy Club’s EveryElection.
Middlesbrough is split between 3 constituencies
The constituencies’ MP and the 4 July 2024 general election, the whole constituency’s result.
Labour, MP since 29 November 2012
64% of Middlesbrough’s residents live in this constituency.
Turnout 46% (England 60%).
Majority 9,192 of 34,407 votes (26.7%): wider than in 81% of England’s 543 constituencies.
Labour, MP since 4 July 2024
31% of Middlesbrough’s residents live in this constituency.
Turnout 54% (England 60%).
Majority 214 of 38,035 votes (0.56%): the 13th-narrowest of 543 in England.
Labour, MP since 4 July 2024
5% of Middlesbrough’s residents live in this constituency.
Turnout 54% (England 60%).
Majority 3,323 of 38,209 votes (8.7%): the 161st-narrowest of 543 in England.
34,407 votes for candidates · majority 9,192
Labour, MP since 29 November 2012.
turnout in July 2024: 34,407 votes from 75,123 registered voters. England: 60%.
Majority 9,192 of 34,407 votes (26.7%): wider than in 81% of England’s 543 constituencies.
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
38,035 votes for candidates · majority 214
Labour, MP since 4 July 2024.
turnout in July 2024: 38,035 votes from 70,331 registered voters. England: 60%.
Majority 214 of 38,035 votes (0.56%): the 13th-narrowest of 543 in England.
Redcar
38,209 votes for candidates · majority 3,323
Labour, MP since 4 July 2024.
turnout in July 2024: 38,209 votes from 70,241 registered voters. England: 60%.
Majority 3,323 of 38,209 votes (8.7%): the 161st-narrowest of 543 in England.
MPs and results: UK Parliament Members API (Open Parliament Licence v3.0); constituencies from ONS (2024 boundaries). Percentages are of valid votes; turnout is votes cast over the electorate.
Middlesbrough’s Band D council tax is £2,548 a year
Where a Band D bill goes, what it has cost over the years, and what the councils plan to spend per resident.
Middlesbrough Borough Council keeps £2,115.86 of a Band D bill (83%); the rest goes to the Cleveland police and crime commissioner and the Cleveland Fire and Rescue Authority.
Band D since 1993
Middlesbrough’s Band D bill has risen 48% in ten years, from £1,717.58 in 2016–17, against England’s average (56%). It was £637.88 in 1993–94.
Your bill by band
A Band D home in the unparished part of Middlesbrough, 2026–27, before discounts. The Valuation Office Agency’s band search gives any home’s band.
North Yorkshire’s councils
Average Band D in each council area, 2026–27, parish precepts included. Bars start at £2,100.
Council budgets per resident, 2026–27
Show as a table, with North Yorkshire
| Middlesbrough | Middlesbrough’s councils | North Yorkshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult social care | £525 | £511 | £487 |
| Children’s social care | £529 | £255 | £290 |
| Roads and transport | £39 | £47 | £41 |
| Housing (not council homes’ rents) | £48 | £43 | £61 |
| Bins, street cleaning, environment | £144 | £146 | £119 |
| Libraries, leisure, culture | £36 | £48 | £44 |
| Planning and development | £11 | £23 | £26 |
| Public health | £182 | £74 | £78 |
| Running the council | £57 | £67 | £59 |
| Other | £71 | £10 | £19 |
| Total, schools apart | £1,640 | £1,224 | £1,234 |
Net budgeted service spending, MHCLG Revenue Account budget 2026–27, per resident (ONS mid-2025 estimates). Schools are left out: academies are paid for directly by government, so council school budgets depend on how many schools have converted. North Yorkshire and England: all their councils together. Police, fire and transport authorities aren’t included.
Band D: MHCLG Band D council tax 2026–27 (each authority’s own figure, excluding parish precepts) and Council Tax statistics for town and parish councils 2026–27; since 1993–94, MHCLG’s area averages including parishes.
Having a say in how Middlesbrough is run
It takes about five minutes online; the deadline is 12 working days before a poll.
gov.uk ↗Type a postcode to write to each of its councillors and its MP.
WriteToThem ↗GOV.UK sends the report to the council that looks after the road.
gov.uk ↗Council and committee meetings are open to the public, with agendas and minutes online.
middlesbrough.gov.uk ↗Anyone can comment while an application is open for consultation.
middlesbrough.gov.uk ↗The rules, nomination papers and guidance for council candidates.
Electoral Commission ↗Questions about how Middlesbrough is run
Does Middlesbrough have a town council?
Parts of it do: Nunthorpe parish council.
Who is the MP for Middlesbrough?
Middlesbrough is split between 3 constituencies: Middlesbrough and Thornaby East (Andy McDonald, Labour), Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (Luke Myer, Labour) and Redcar (Anna Turley, Labour). Parliament’s Find your MP service matches a postcode to its MP.
How many councillors does Middlesbrough have?
48 ward councillors represent Middlesbrough’s 20 wards.
When are the next elections in Middlesbrough?
No election is scheduled yet in Democracy Club’s list for Middlesbrough’s wards. The next UK general election must be held by August 2029.
How much is council tax in Middlesbrough?
Band D council tax in Middlesbrough is £2,547 for 2026–27. Your bill depends on your home’s band, from A (6/9 of Band D) to H (18/9).
Who controls Middlesbrough Borough Council?
Labour has a majority: 24 of 46 seats as elected. The council’s website lists who leads it now.
Who controls Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council?
No party has a majority. As elected, Labour 22 · Liberal Democrat 12 · Conservative 12 · Independent 11 · Reform UK 1 · East Cleveland Independent 1 of 59 seats; a majority needs 30.
Who won the 2023 council election in Middlesbrough?
In Middlesbrough’s wards on 4 May 2023, Labour 25 · Independent 15 · Liberal Democrat 5 · Conservative 3 of the 48 seats up. Labour had the largest share of votes, 44.7%.
Is Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland a marginal seat?
Luke Myer (Labour) won it by 214 votes in July 2024, 0.56% of votes cast: the 13th-narrowest result of 543 in England.
Sources: ONS ward, county division, parish, constituency lookups (Census 2021 output areas; Open Government Licence v3.0) · GOV.UK local council finder · Democracy Club candidates (CC BY 4.0) and EveryElection · UK Parliament Members API (Open Parliament Licence v3.0) · MHCLG Band D council tax, parish precepts and Revenue Account budgets 2026–27 (OGL v3.0) · ONS mid-2025 population estimates. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2026 (ONS boundaries). Northern Ireland: Source: NISRA; contains Land & Property Services data and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland information, © Crown copyright, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Scotland: contains National Records of Scotland data, Registers of Scotland data and SEPA data, © Crown copyright / © SEPA 2025, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.