Commenting on the results of London’s local elections 2026, our Chief Executive, Antonia Jennings, said:
“What was once a single party stronghold is now a five-party patchwork city. This shift hasn’t happened overnight. It’s a product of successive national governments, of all colours, taking the capital for granted”
Today’s results are a reminder that London is not a city paved with gold. One in three London children live in poverty, and the wealth the city generates isn’t felt by many of the people who live here.
Londoners are struggling with high housing costs and the cost of living in the capital. And with these results – and higher voter turnout – they’ve sent a clear message that their voices can’t be ignored.
London can’t keep financially sustaining the rest of the UK while its own infrastructure and services strain under ever-increasing pressure. The local elections show that parties cannot continue to dismiss the capital, overlooking the issues Londoners’ face, and expect to receive crosses on their ballot papers.”
“There’s positive news here – and real strength in our local democracy. Thousands of councillors across the political spectrum have stepped forward to represent their communities. But in a fragmented political environment, and with limited funding, delivering the rapid change needed will be challenging.
Partnership is therefore vital. Londoners don’t live within borough boundaries. We live, work, travel and access services across council lines every day. Councils must work together, across parties and places, to reflect the lived reality of the capital.
London’s boroughs have a strong history of collaboration – supporting Londoners through crises and change alike. My hope is that this tradition continues, with experienced councillors lending a hand to new arrivals, and parties working towards policies that focus on people, rather than fighting over politics.”
“Now local elections are over, the priority must be fixing council finances. Fast.
London boroughs are facing a £1.5bn funding gap this year, with budgets already stretched to breaking point. Councils are being asked to deliver more with less, as demand for vital services continues to rise.
There is a clear case for change. Allowing councils to retain more of the wealth generated locally would give them the tools to invest in homes, infrastructure, schools and high streets, ensuring communities benefit from the money they help generate.
More local control over funding, like income tax revenues, would not only be good for London but also the wider UK economy. Evidence suggests that if London had tax powers in line with comparable OECD cities globally, it could have generated around £34–£38 billion over a decade – with the additional revenue flowing into Treasury and supporting the rest of the UK.
“If this election can spotlight the pressures facing the capital, and shift how national government understands and invests in London, it will be positive not just for Londoners, but for the country as a whole”