The Green Party has achieved another significant electoral milestone, with Liam Shrivastava winning the mayoralty in Lewisham. Shrivastava secured 35,265 votes, defeating Labour’s Amanda De Ryk, who garnered 30,374 votes, and Reform UK’s Pete Newman, who came third with 7,288 votes. This victory makes Shrivastava the second Green Party mayor elected in London, following Zoe Garbett, who was confirmed as mayor of Hackney earlier on Friday.
Phenomenal Result
Green Party leader Zack Polanski hailed the outcome as a “phenomenal result,” praising Shrivastava for running a “powerhouse, community driven campaign.” Polanski’s comments came amid ongoing scrutiny over a social media repost that had prompted questions on doorsteps, according to a Green MP.
Political Switch
Shrivastava was a member of the Labour Party until mid-2025, when he switched allegiance to the Greens. He stated that “the party I joined is unrecognisable from what it has become,” citing his disillusionment with Labour’s direction. His defection underscores growing tensions within the political landscape, as the Greens continue to expand their influence in local government.
The result is seen as a boost for the Greens, who have been gaining traction in urban areas. The party’s focus on community engagement and environmental policies resonated with voters in Lewisham, a diverse southeast London borough. Shrivastava’s campaign emphasized grassroots activism and progressive values, appealing to those disenchanted with traditional party politics.
Labour’s Amanda De Ryk acknowledged the defeat, vowing to continue working for the community. Reform UK’s Pete Newman also congratulated Shrivastava, noting the strong showing for his own party. The election marks a shift in the local political landscape, with the Greens now holding two of London’s directly elected mayoralties.
