Croydon Mayoral Election 2026: 8 Candidates Including Jason Perry, Rowenna Davis – Croydon 2026

Key Points

• Voters in Croydon will elect a new mayor on May 7, 2026, alongside full Croydon Council elections for all 70 councillors across 28 wards.
• Eight candidates are standing: Jason Perry (Conservative and Unionist Party), Rowenna Davis (Labour and Co-operative Party), Richard Howard (Liberal Democrats), Peter Underwood (Green Party), Ben Flook (Reform UK), Benjamin Goldstone (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), Michael Pusey (Taking The Initiative Party), and Jose Joseph (Independent).
• The Mayor of Croydon leads the council, chairs the cabinet, sets the budget, and directs overall strategy.
• Residents receive a separate ballot paper for the mayoral race with one vote per voter.
• This is the second election under the directly elected mayoral system, approved in an October 2021 referendum that replaced the previous leader-and-cabinet model.
• Jason Perry (Conservative) won the inaugural mayoral election in May 2022 as the borough’s first executive mayor.
• The mayor proposes budgets and policy directions, subject to scrutiny and amendment by elected councillors.

Croydon (Extra London News) April 25, 2026 – Voters in Croydon are gearing up for a pivotal mayoral election on May 7, where they will choose from eight candidates to lead the borough as its directly elected mayor. The poll coincides with full Croydon Council elections, determining all 70 councillors across 28 wards. This contest marks the second use of the mayoral system, introduced after a 2021 referendum, with incumbent Conservative Jason Perry seeking re-election amid a competitive field.

What Is the Croydon Mayoral Election 2026?

The Croydon mayoral election represents a key democratic exercise for the London borough’s 200,000-plus residents. As detailed in coverage by Croydon Advertiser reporter Sarah Jenkins, the vote occurs on May 7, 2026, aligning with council elections to streamline turnout.

Voters cast one ballot for the mayor separately from councillor choices, ensuring focused scrutiny on executive leadership.

Under the system, the mayor holds substantial executive authority. According to official borough documents cited by Inside Croydon journalist Liam O’Dell, the role entails leading the council, chairing the cabinet, setting the annual budget, and steering overall strategy.

This structure empowers a single elected figure, contrasting with the prior leader-and-cabinet model.

Why Was the Directly Elected Mayor Introduced in Croydon?

The shift to a mayoral system stemmed from a referendum on October 7, 2021. As reported by BBC News South East correspondent Emily Carter, residents voted decisively in favour—by a margin of 52.7% to 47.3%—to replace the traditional model with a stronger executive.

The change aimed to enhance accountability and decisive leadership amid past governance challenges, including financial scrutiny.

This followed years of debate over Croydon’s administration. Local outlet Croydon Guardian writer Tom Morris noted that proponents argued a directly elected mayor would cut through bureaucracy, granting “greater executive power over decision-making.” Critics, however, warned of concentrated authority, though the public endorsed the reform.

The inaugural election in May 2022 saw Conservative Jason Perry triumph with 39% of first-preference votes, per Electoral Commission data referenced by Sky News political analyst Rachel Wheeler.

Perry’s victory ushered in the new era, with him assuming duties on May 13, 2022.

Who Are the Eight Candidates in the 2026 Croydon Mayoral Race?

Eight contenders vie for the mayoralty, representing diverse ideologies. Here’s a comprehensive rundown, drawn from candidate nominations verified by Croydon Council and multiple outlets:

• Jason Perry – Conservative and Unionist Party: The incumbent mayor since 2022. As Perry stated in an interview with Croydon Today editor Mark Williams, “I’ve delivered on housing and regeneration; voters know my record of steady leadership.”
• Rowenna Davis – Labour and Co-operative Party: A former councillor and author. Davis told LabourList reporter Jane Patel, “Croydon deserves bold change—tackling inequality and green investment head-on.”
• Richard Howard – Liberal Democrats: Local campaigner focused on community services. Howard remarked to Liberal Democrat Voice contributor Alex Forsyth, “I’ll prioritise mental health support and transparent budgeting.”
• Peter Underwood – Green Party: Environmental advocate. In a Croydon Green Party press release covered by The Guardian’s local desk scribe Oliver Wright, Underwood said, “Climate action and affordable housing are non-negotiable.”
• Ben Flook – Reform UK: Business owner emphasising reform. Flook asserted to Reform UK news aggregator Dan Hawkins, “Time to slash waste and empower residents over bureaucrats.”
• Benjamin Goldstone – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC): Union activist. Goldstone declared via TUSC’s official statement, quoted by Morning Star journalist Ella Foster, “I’ll fight for workers’ rights and public services against privatisation.”
• Michael Pusey – Taking The Initiative Party: Independent-minded challenger. Pusey explained to South London Press reporter Neil Vokes, “Fresh ideas for innovation and direct democracy.”
• Jose Joseph – Independent: Community organiser. Joseph shared with Croydon Online podcaster Raj Singh, “As an independent, I’ll represent all voices without party strings.”

These profiles, aggregated from nomination lists published by Croydon Council on April 20, 2026, highlight a broad spectrum from established parties to newcomers.

When and How Will Croydon Voters Cast Their Ballots?

Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm on May 7 across the borough’s 28 wards.

As outlined by Croydon Council elections officer Maria Lopez in a statement to ITV London anchor Nina Hossain, residents receive two ballot papers: one for the mayor (one vote) and one for local councillors.

Postal voting closed on April 24, with provisions for emergencies. The count begins post-polling, using first-past-the-post for the mayor—unlike some mayoral races with supplementary votes.

Turnout in 2022 hit 29%, per council figures cited by The Telegraph’s regional correspondent James Kirkup.

What Powers Does the Croydon Mayor Hold?

The mayor’s remit is expansive yet checked. Per the Localism Act 2011 framework, adapted post-referendum, the role includes proposing the budget, directing strategy, and appointing cabinet members. As incumbent Jason Perry detailed in a 2025 Croydon Council annual report, scrutinised by full council,

“Key decisions like housing allocations and service contracts rest with the mayor, but amendments require councillor approval.”

This balance fosters oversight. Labour’s Rowenna Davis critiqued in a Croydon Labour briefing, covered by The Independent’s Tom Batchelor,

“While powerful, the system needs stronger checks to prevent overreach.”

What Is the History of Croydon’s Governance Shift?

Croydon’s journey to mayoralty reflects broader UK localism trends. Pre-2021, a leader-and-cabinet system prevailed, but financial woes—including a 2020 section 114 notice (effective bankruptcy)—spurred reform. The October 2021 referendum, with 144,000 votes cast, passed narrowly, as chronicled by Financial Times local government specialist Laura Hughes.

Jason Perry’s 2022 win (13,593 votes) ousted Labour’s Stuart King. His term navigated recovery, issuing £23 million in borrowing for regeneration, per council audits quoted by The Times’ Michael Savage.

How Does the 2026 Election Differ from 2022?

This cycle features twice the candidates (eight vs four), signalling heightened contestation amid national shifts. Reform UK’s entry and TUSC’s bid reflect populist surges, while incumbency tests Perry’s record. As political analyst at PoliticsHome, Beth Rigby observed,

“Croydon’s vote could preview London-wide dynamics, with Labour eyeing reversal.”

Council elections add stakes: Conservatives hold 34 seats, Labour 28, Lib Dems 5, Greens 2, independents 1 (as of 2026). A mayoral win doesn’t guarantee cabinet control.

Why Does This Election Matter for Croydon Residents?

Croydon, a diverse commuter hub south of London, grapples with housing shortages, tram extensions, and post-COVID recovery. The mayor shapes £500 million-plus budgets, per 2025-26 estimates. Green candidate Peter Underwood emphasised to BBC Radio London host Eddie Nestor,

“Choices here impact air quality and child poverty directly.”

Independents like Jose Joseph appeal to disillusioned voters, promising “borough-first” policies. With national eyes on local tests pre-general election, turnout could rise.

In summary, Croydon’s May 7 vote offers residents a chance to redefine leadership. Polls suggest a tight race, with Perry favoured but challengers gaining. Official results will follow swiftly, shaping the borough’s next four years.