The London local elections of 2026 have delivered a seismic shift in the capital's political landscape, with Labour suffering substantial losses while Reform UK and the Green Party celebrate significant victories. Every single London council was contested in what has been described as a transformative electoral event.
Green Party Triumphs in Key Mayoral Races
The Green Party's Zoë Garbett was elected mayor of Hackney, dealing a major blow to Labour's dominance. In her victory speech, Garbett lambasted the "failing Labour government" and declared that the borough "rejects hate and division." Speaking to The Independent after her win, she emphasised that voters are "showing they really want that alternative" to the traditional parties. The Green Party also secured mayoralties in Lewisham and Waltham Forest, with party leader Zack Polanski asserting that two-party politics is "dead and buried."
Conservative Gains and Reform UK's Surge
The Conservatives regained control of Westminster City Council from Labour and held onto Kensington and Chelsea and Bexley, which had been a target for Reform UK. Nigel Farage's Reform UK gained hundreds of councillors across the country, taking seats from Labour in dozens of councils. In London, Farage announced that Havering is "under new management" after his party secured 28 seats, achieving overall control of the council. The Tories also became the largest party in Wandsworth, which moved from Labour control to no overall control.
Labour's Mixed Results
Despite the losses, Labour maintained its grip on several councils, including Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow, Barking and Dagenham, Camden, Islington, and Greenwich. The party also narrowly held on to Merton, which pollsters had suggested could fall to the Liberal Democrats. However, the overall trend shows a significant decline in Labour's support since the 2022 London elections, with younger and more left-leaning voters shifting towards the Green Party.
Liberal Democrats and Other Parties
The Liberal Democrats held on to Sutton, Richmond-upon-Thames, and Kingston-upon-Thames. The final result expected is Tower Hamlets, due at 6pm on Saturday. Across the country, 136 local authorities held elections, including major cities and the whole of London. Of the 5,013 seats contested, Labour defended 2,557, the Conservatives 1,362, the Liberal Democrats 684, and other parties 410.
Implications for the Political Landscape
These results mark a dramatic shift in London's political landscape, which had been a Labour stronghold with majority control in 21 councils. The rise of the Green Party and Reform UK signals a fragmentation of the traditional two-party system, with voters increasingly seeking alternatives. The outcome serves as a key test for all parties ahead of future elections.
