Labour is facing significant losses in its traditional London strongholds as the Green Party gains ground, a recent poll reveals. The survey by YouGov indicates that Keir Starmer’s party is expected to maintain the largest vote share in 15 councils, a decrease of six from the previous borough elections in 2022.
In contrast, the Green Party, currently without control of any councils in the 32 London boroughs up for election on May 7, may emerge as the leading party in four local authorities long held by Labour, such as Hackney, Lambeth, Waltham Forest, and Lewisham. Additionally, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK could potentially become the dominant party in three suburban councils – Bromley, Havering, and Barking and Dagenham.
The YouGov survey covering over 4,500 adults in London shows Labour at 26% of the vote, down by 16% from the previous borough elections, while the Greens stand at 22%. The Conservative Party is at 17%, the Liberal Democrats at 15%, and Reform UK at 14%. The pollster warns of a potential “seismic shift” in local government in London with Labour facing historic losses.
As the May 7 local council elections approach, Labour leader Keir Starmer anticipates challenging results amid a national decline in the party’s polling numbers. The elections in Scotland and Wales on the same day also pose challenges for Labour’s grip on power in those regions.
In an interview earlier this month, Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, acknowledged the diverse choices Londoners are considering among the major political parties, including Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Reform. Responding to concerns about Labour voters shifting towards the Green Party as a form of protest, Mayor Khan emphasized the importance of focusing on public service over protest in elected office.
The upcoming elections are poised to reshape the political landscape in London, with multiple parties vying for key positions in tightly contested boroughs.