Key Points
- Islington Council is dominated by Labour, holding 47 of 51 seats following boundary revisions that increased the total from 48 to 51; four Labour councillors now sit as independents.
- The 2026 local elections on 7 May will test Labour’s grip amid challenges from Greens pushing rent control and a new Corbyn-led “Your Party”.
- Deep divisions within Labour stem from infighting between Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer, with Corbyn barred from Labour candidacy and launching his own party.
- Islington Labour has won recent by-elections against Corbyn-backed candidates, emphasising local achievements in a diverse borough.
- Independents, backed by figures like Jackson Caines, criticise Labour’s rightward shift on issues like winter fuel cuts and Gaza policy.
- Professor Tony Travers predicts Labour will retain control, doubting a united front from Greens, Your Party, and independents.
- The borough, home to Arsenal FC and Sadler’s Wells, remains a trendy north London hotspot with political drama.
Islington (Extra London News) April 23, 2026 – Labour’s longstanding dominance in Islington Council faces scrutiny ahead of the 7 May 2026 local elections, where the party holds 47 of 51 seats after boundary changes. Despite this near-monopoly, akin to a one-party state, challengers including the Greens advocating rent controls and Jeremy Corbyn’s new “Your Party” are mobilising amid historic Labour infighting. Four former Labour councillors now serve as independents, hinting at fractures that could influence the vote in this vibrant north London borough.
- Key Points
- Who Dominates Islington Council Currently?
- What Sparks Labour’s Internal Divisions?
- Who Is Jeremy Corbyn’s “Your Party” and What Do They Offer?
- Why Are the Greens Gaining Traction?
- What Role Do Independents Play?
- Will Labour Retain Control in 2026?
- How Might National Issues Influence Local Votes?
- What Are the Election Logistics?
Who Dominates Islington Council Currently?
Labour commands over 92 per cent of seats on Islington Council following the 2022 elections, a position reinforced by recent by-elections.
As reported by the BBC in their 7 April 2026 profile “Local elections profile: Islington”, the council’s total seats rose from 48 to 51 due to boundary revisions, with Labour securing 47. Four Labour councillors have since defected to sit as independents, forming a nascent opposition.
Islington Labour’s statement to the Islington Tribune underscored their resilience:
“Since the general election last year, Labour has won two council by-elections in Islington North, against candidates with support from the MP, Jeremy Corbyn.”
They highlighted “fantastic progressive achievements”
Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics, cited in the BBC article, described Islington as Jeremy Corbyn’s constituency yet Labour-dominated, questioning if challengers could unite effectively.
What Sparks Labour’s Internal Divisions?
Historic rifts between Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer underpin Islington’s political turbulence. Corbyn, Islington North MP for over 40 years, was barred from Labour candidacy by Starmer, prompting accusations of undermining democracy.
As reported by Sky News on 15 February 2023, Corbyn stated:
“Keir Starmer’s statement about my future is a flagrant attack on the democratic rights of Islington North Labour Party members.”
The Independent echoed this on 15 February 2023, noting Corbyn’s potential independent run in a seat of strong local support, amid Starmer’s antisemitism reforms. Starmer affirmed:
“What I said about the party changing, I meant that. We are not going back.”
These tensions resurfaced locally. The Islington Tribune’s 25 August 2025 article “Is it Corbyn v Labour, round two?” detailed activists’ 2024 choice between Labour and Corbyn, with Islington Labour decrying left-wing rivals:
“Islington North Labour is disappointed if, as reported in the press, there will be left candidates standing against Labour in the local elections in 2026.”
Who Is Jeremy Corbyn’s “Your Party” and What Do They Offer?
Corbyn’s “Your Party”, launched amid controversy, plans candidates for 2026. The Islington Tribune reported on 6 November 2025 that nearly 500 attended its local launch, featuring speakers like NHS campaigner Shirley Franklin, housing activist Morag Gillie, Islington Stand Up To Racism’s Paul Holborrow, and former Islington North Labour chair Alison McGarry. Corbyn described it as the “public want[ing] a new alternative”.
Your Party faced a public spat between Corbyn and Zarah Sultana in September 2025, per the Tribune. Islington Labour dismissed it as splitting the left, prioritising doorstep engagement on local wins.
Professor Travers, in the BBC piece, deemed a Your Party-Green-Independent alliance unlikely against Labour.
Why Are the Greens Gaining Traction?
The Greens target rent controls in trendy Islington, exploiting Labour divides. While specific 2026 pledges remain emerging, their “on the march” status reflects broader left challenges.
The BBC noted potential Green roles in anti-Labour unity, though Travers predicted failure.
Housing pressures in this north London hub, home to Arsenal FC and Sadler’s Wells theatre, fuel such campaigns.
What Role Do Independents Play?
Independents challenge Labour’s majority as the official opposition. The Islington Tribune’s 16 August 2025 “Independent calls for council shake-up” featured Jackson Caines, Junction ward by-election candidate on 28 November 2025, selected by residents. Caines called the independent surge a “grassroots reaction to Labour’s transformation into a more right-wing party”, citing winter fuel payment cuts, disability allowance reductions, and Gaza response:
“They’re doing lots that people are upset about. They are already a very unpopular government and we get a sense on the doorstep that there’s not much love or enthusiasm for Labour.”
Caines argued Labour councillors would “not be willing” to challenge Starmer’s government. These four independents amplify anti-Labour sentiment.
Will Labour Retain Control in 2026?
Forecasts favour Labour. Travers predicted retention despite challengers. Islington Labour’s by-election successes bolster confidence. Yet, Corbyn’s party, independents, and Greens could erode margins in this drama-filled borough.
Recent council moves, like the 25 March 2026 Crisis and Resilience Fund approval replacing the Household Support Fund, show proactive governance.
Councillor Flora Williamson, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, tied it to poverty-ending goals, per Open Council Network.
Nationally, ConservativeHome’s 31 December 2025 analysis warned of Labour’s 2026 woes elsewhere, like a nine-vote by-election win, but Islington’s profile differs.
How Might National Issues Influence Local Votes?
Starmer’s national policies, from welfare cuts to foreign affairs, bleed into Islington. Caines linked Gaza and benefits to discontent. Corbyn-Starmer clashes amplify this, with Your Party positioning as left alternative.
Islington Labour counters with localism:
“We’re regularly on the doorsteps explaining our local achievements, listening to voters. People in Islington recognise the fantastic progressive achievements.”
What Are the Election Logistics?
Polls open 7 May 2026 across 51 seats. Boundary changes complicate direct 2022 comparisons, but Labour starts strongest.
Voters in this diverse, cultural borough—Arsenal’s home—face choices between continuity and change.
