Sadiq Khan to Work with Reform, Green Councils in London 2026

Key Points

• Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has pledged to work constructively with councils controlled by the Reform UK party or the Green Party following the local elections on 7 May 2026.
• Khan described himself as “Team London”, emphasising collaboration across party lines for the capital’s benefit, despite political differences.
• The statement addresses potential shifts in council control amid predictions of Labour losses, with Reform UK targeting outer London boroughs and Greens gaining in inner areas.
• Critics, including Conservatives led by Susan Hall, accuse Reform UK of forming an “unholy alliance” with Khan, potentially enabling the Mayor’s plans to revise the London Plan and adjust green belt protections.
• Khan has warned Londoners against “protest votes” for Reform or Greens, suggesting voters might regret such choices due to impacts on local services.
• Elections on 7 May 2026 will see 1,817 councillors elected across 32 London boroughs, plus five directly elected mayors, influencing over £12 billion in annual local spending.
• Broader context includes Labour’s national struggles and Khan’s third term secured in 2024.

London (Extra London News) April 18, 2026 – Sir Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, has committed to constructive engagement with any Reform UK or Green Party-controlled councils emerging from the 7 May 2026 local elections, positioning himself as “Team London” above partisan divides. This vow comes amid forecasts of significant Labour setbacks, with the Mayor urging unity while opponents raise alarms over potential policy alignments on contentious issues like the green belt.

Who Is Sir Sadiq Khan, and What Did He Pledge Exactly?

Sir Sadiq Khan, serving his third term as Mayor of London since his 2024 re-election, made his pledge during recent public statements. As reported by journalists at Fitzrovia News on 18 April 2026, Khan stated he would “work constructively with any Green or Reform-controlled councils” post-elections, stressing that “London comes first”.

In a video shared on social media, Khan reiterated, “I’m Team London”, signalling readiness to collaborate regardless of council leadership. This was echoed in a Facebook post by We Are LBL on 17 April 2026, noting Khan’s assurance to work with Reform councils for the city’s good.

Khan’s comments respond to polling indicating Labour vulnerabilities. As detailed by The Guardian’s political correspondent on 8 April 2026, the Mayor acknowledged former Labour supporters “flirting” with alternatives but warned of regrets if Greens or Reform take control.

What Specific Statements Did Khan Make on Collaboration?

According to Fitzrovia News, Khan vowed to engage “constructively” with emerging council leaders from any party.

Why Are the 7 May 2026 London Elections So Critical?

The 7 May 2026 elections will shape governance across 32 London boroughs, electing 1,817 councillors and five mayoral positions. According to BBC News reporting on 1 January 2026, these polls oversee £12 billion in annual services like education, libraries, and waste management, distinct from Khan’s strategic oversight.

Predictions point to Labour losses: Greens challenging in inner London, Reform UK in outer boroughs. The Guardian noted on 8 April 2026 that “several Labour councillors” face defeat by Greens or independents, while Reform seeks breakthroughs.

Khan’s pledge aims to mitigate disruption. An Instagram reel from 17 April 2026 captured him addressing voters tempted by “other parties”, reinforcing his collaborative stance.

What Are Critics Saying About a Potential ‘Unholy Alliance’?

Opposition has been swift, particularly from Conservatives. As reported by Daily Express political editor on 7 April 2026, Susan Hall, London Conservative leader and former mayoral candidate, accused Reform of an “unholy alliance” with Khan. Hall warned that Reform-led councils might back the Mayor’s London Plan revisions, threatening the green belt.

Hall stated,

“Reform’s anti-green spaces agenda would gain legitimate support”

if they controlled councils, potentially turning “parks, waterways, and lush greenery” into skyscrapers. She cautioned Londoners:

“Reform is eager to collaborate with the Mayor to eliminate your green spaces while pretending they could never partner with him.”

This critique ties to Khan’s proposal to revoke some green belt protections amid London’s housing crisis, a move opponents fear Reform councils would not block.

Who Is Susan Hall, and What Are Her Exact Warnings?

Susan Hall, as quoted in the Daily Express, described the alliance as a “serious threat” to London’s natural heritage.

How Does Khan View Protest Votes in These Elections?

Khan has actively discouraged “protest votes”. In an exclusive Guardian interview on 8 April 2026, conducted at a youth centre where he announced new funding, he said Londoners “may regret” electing Reform or Green councils, framing the elections not as a “referendum on Labour’s progress”.

The Mayor advised Labour MPs against challenging Keir Starmer, amid national party pressures. Fitzrovia News on 18 April 2026 highlighted Khan’s vow as a pragmatic response to these dynamics.

What Is the Context of London’s Green Belt Controversy?

The green belt debate fuels much tension. Daily Express coverage on 7 April 2026 explained Khan’s London Plan aims to ease housing shortages by adjusting protections, drawing ire from green space advocates.

Susan Hall of the Express argued Reform’s council wins could legitimise this, despite their public criticisms of Khan. She described it as a “serious threat” to London’s natural areas.

Meanwhile, We Are LBL’s 17 April 2026 post recalled Reform’s Alex Wilson proposing City Hall budget cuts in January 2025, illustrating party tensions with Khan’s administration.

Which Boroughs Are Most at Risk for Labour?

Inner London faces Green surges, outer areas Reform gains. The Guardian on 8 April 2026 predicted defeats for Labour in these zones, aligning with broader English, Scottish, and Welsh polls where Labour struggles.

BBC outlined the scale: all 32 boroughs voting, impacting daily services. Khan’s outreach seeks to ensure service continuity.

What Broader Political Dynamics Are at Play?

Nationally, Labour faces headwinds post-2024. Khan’s third term provides stability, but local polls test resilience. Instagram and Facebook posts from 17 April 2026 amplified his “Team London” message.

Conservative attacks, per Express, portray Reform-Khan ties as opportunistic. Guardian reporting underscores Khan’s defence of Labour’s record.

How Will This Affect Londoners’ Daily Lives?

Council control influences council tax, services, and planning. The BBC noted hikes on agendas. Khan’s pledge promises cross-party work on housing, youth facilities, and green spaces—though critics doubt it.

Fitzrovia News framed it as Khan prioritising London over politics.