LONDONERS head to the polls this spring for a major round of council elections, with every borough across the capital up for grabs.
The vote will decide who runs your local town hall for the next four years.
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Local elections take place in early May, with heavy losses predicted for Labour Credit: Getty
A forecast also predicts significant losses for the Conservatives
When are the London local elections?
The London local elections take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, alongside council polls in many other parts of England.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, and you’ll need to bring photo ID to cast your vote in person.
Accepted identity documents include a UK passport, photocard driving licence, blue badge, and an older person’s bus pass, among others.
You also need to be registered to vote at your current address.
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When are the 2026 local elections and is there a vote in my area?
If you don’t have an accepted form of ID, it is possible to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, but the deadline – 5pm on Tuesday, April 28 – has now passed.
The registration deadline to vote in the local elections was 11.59pm on Monday, April 20.
Which London boroughs are voting?
All 32 London borough councils are set to hold elections, choosing a total of 1,817 councillors.
These councillors will make decisions on matters including bin collections, council tax, planning, schools and social care in your area.
It’s the first time all 32 boroughs will vote at the same time since 2022.
Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets will also pick a directly elected mayor on the same day.
A directly elected mayor is voted in by the public on a ballot paper, rather than chosen by fellow councillors.
They sit at the top of the council’s political leadership and effectively replace the traditional Leader of the Council role.
But it is important not to confuse them with two other types of mayor.
The Mayor of London, currently Sir Sadiq Khan, is a London-wide regional mayor who leads the Greater London Authority.
He has powers over areas including transport, policing, fire and rescue, planning and housing across the capital.
That is a totally separate election, last held in May 2024 and next due in May 2028.
Then there are ceremonial mayors, the ones you see in the chains and robes cutting ribbons at school fairs.
They are normally chosen by fellow councillors and carry out civic duties, but they do not run the council or make executive decisions – it is a ceremonial role.
The contests are widely tipped to be tough for Labour, who currently run the majority of London boroughs.
How do I check who’s standing in my area?
The easiest way to find your candidates is the Electoral Commission’s postcode checker.
Just type in your postcode and it will show which elections are happening near you.
It will also tell you where your polling station is and who is on the ballot.
