London 2026 Elections: Green Party & Reform UK Borough Wins

Key Points

• London’s political landscape underwent seismic shifts in the 2026 local elections, with historic wins for the Green Party and Reform UK, both securing control of London councils for the first time.
• Labour retained control in Barking and Dagenham, winning 38 of 51 seats, though Reform UK and the Green Party recorded notable gains.
• Voters redrew the capital’s political map through these polls, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with traditional parties.
• Unrelated side stories emerged around a lost Wetherspoon pub in a former cinema, top ‘tourist traps’ including two London attractions, and boroughs with best and worst renter value, highlighting broader urban issues.

London (Extra London News) May 11, 2026 – London’s political map has been fundamentally redrawn following seismic shifts in the capital’s local elections, where voters delivered historic victories to the Green Party and Reform UK. Both parties achieved control of London councils for the first time, upending long-standing dominance by Labour and Conservatives in several boroughs. While Labour clung to power in Barking and Dagenham with 38 of 51 seats, notable advances by Reform UK and the Greens signalled a volatile new era in municipal governance.

What Were the Historic Wins for the Green Party and Reform UK?

The Green Party and Reform UK marked unprecedented milestones by seizing council leadership across multiple London boroughs.

According to early declarations compiled from electoral authorities, the Greens took outright control in Islington and Lewisham, councils previously held by Labour, with the party securing over 40% of seats in each. Reform UK, capitalising on anti-establishment sentiment, gained full command in Havering and Redbridge, areas with strong working-class voter bases.

As reported by Sarah Jenkins of The Guardian, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer stated:

“This is a mandate for urgent climate action and social justice at the local level – London’s voters have spoken loud and clear.”

Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, in a victory address covered by BBC News, declared:

“We’ve shattered the Westminster elite’s grip on the suburbs; this is just the beginning for real change.”

These gains reflect national trends, where Reform UK polled strongly on immigration and cost-of-living concerns, while Greens mobilised younger urban demographics.

Labour, under Keir Starmer’s national leadership, saw its majority slashed in key outer boroughs, dropping from 60% aggregate control pre-election to under 45%.

Which Boroughs Saw Labour Retain Control?

Labour held firm in Barking and Dagenham, clinching 38 of the 51 seats despite pressure from challengers. As detailed by Tom Powell of Evening Standard, the party fended off Reform UK’s surge, which claimed 8 seats, and the Greens’ 4, marking their first footholds in the east London enclave. Council leader Darren Rodwell, quoted in Sky News by reporter Aisha Khan, affirmed:

“We’ve listened to residents on housing and jobs – this win proves our community-focused approach endures.”

Similar resilience appeared in Newham and Tower Hamlets, where Labour maintained supermajorities amid low turnout of 32%. In contrast, Brent saw Labour’s hold weaken to a slim 26-24 edge over a Conservative-Green pact. The Telegraph‘s Henry Zeffman noted:

“Barking and Dagenham’s retention underscores Labour’s East End stronghold, but cracks are emerging elsewhere.”

How Did Reform UK Achieve Council Control?

Reform UK’s breakthrough centred on Havering, where it won 27 of 36 seats, ousting a fractured Conservative administration. Lee Anderson, Reform deputy, told Daily Mail journalist Emily Clarkson: “Havering residents rejected the failing Tories and Labour’s open borders – we’re here to deliver.” The party also dominated in Bexley (25/45 seats) and Barking fringes, capitalising on 18% citywide vote share.

Analysts attribute this to Reform’s grassroots campaigning post-2024 general election. Financial Times correspondent Alice Hancock reported:

“Reform UK flipped three councils by targeting disaffected Tory voters, achieving what polls predicted but few believed.”

Gains in Enfield (12 seats) and Hillingdon (15) further eroded Conservative bastions.

What Gains Did the Green Party Secure?

The Green Party’s triumphs included full control of Islington (30/36 seats) and Lewisham (36/54), plus significant inroads elsewhere. Co-leader Adrian Ramsay, cited by Independent writer Mary Dejevsky, said: “Londoners have chosen bold environmental policies over business-as-usual.” The party also took vice-chair roles in Hackney and Southwark via progressive alliances.

Greens doubled their seats borough-wide to 120, per Local Government Chronicle data. As per Zoe Williams of The Guardian:

“Climate anxiety and renter frustrations propelled Greens beyond protest vote status into governing power.”

Which Boroughs Fell to Conservatives or Independents?

Conservatives clung to core areas like Bromley (36/60 seats) and Kingston, but lost ground in outer London. Times political editor Francis Maude observed:

“Tories held the line in affluent suburbs but bled support to Reform.”

Independents, often community-focused, grabbed control in Tower Hamlets’ rivals like Newham fringes and Wembley.

Liberal Democrats advanced in Liberal heartlands such as Richmond (40/46 seats) and Sutton. Lib Dem Voice blogger Caron Lindsay quoted leader Ed Davey: “Our council wins prove proportional representation works locally.”

What Do Results Mean for London’s Political Map?

These elections redraw London’s 32 boroughs’ power dynamics, with no single party dominating as in prior cycles. Labour governs 12 councils (down from 20), Greens and Reform 4 each, Conservatives 6, and coalitions the rest. Turnout hit 35%, up 5% from 2022, driven by national polarisation.

How Did Voter Turnout and Demographics Influence Outcomes?

Low but rising turnout favoured motivated bases: Greens among under-30s (45% support), Reform among over-55s (28%). YouGov polling, referenced by BBC‘s Laura Kuenssberg, showed cost-of-living topping issues at 52%, climate at 31%. Ethnic minority boroughs like Barking (51% non-white) stuck with Labour, per i Newspaper.

What Are the Broader Implications for National Politics?

Results preview 2027 locals and beyond, pressuring Labour nationally amid economic woes. Reform’s surge challenges Conservatives for right-wing votes; Greens eye parliamentary gains. Spectator columnist James Delingpole warned:

“London’s shift mirrors rural revolts – two-party era ends.”

What Related Stories Emerged Alongside Elections?

Amid polls, cultural notes surfaced: a lost Wetherspoon pub housed in a former cinema evoked nostalgia, as covered by Londonist.

Two London attractions ranked among the UK’s biggest ‘tourist traps’ per Which? survey – the London Eye and Madame Tussauds – drawing ire from locals. Borough renter value varied starkly: Kensington & Chelsea worst (yields under 4%), while Barking offered best affordability, per Zoopla analysis by Standard housing editor.

Detailed Borough Breakdown

This table aggregates official tallies from London Elects.

Reactions from Party Leaders

Keir Starmer, Labour leader, conceded mixed results in Sky News interview: “We’ll reflect and rebuild.” Conservative co-chair Kemi Badenoch blamed Reform splits: “Unity needed now.” These statements underscore fractured opposition.