Green Surge Threatens Labour's London Strongholds Ahead of Local Elections

LONDON, May 4 (Reuters) - The Green Party is making notable inroads into long‑standing Labour territory in London, with voters in boroughs such as Hackney shifting their support ahead of local council elections on May 7. The trend among urban progressives could dent Prime Minister Keir Starmer's grip on the capital.

Urban Progressives Move Left

In Hackney, human rights lawyer Nadeshda Jayakody, 34, who voted Labour in the 2024 general election, said she now backs the Greens. "I just think the Greens align better with what I stand for," she said. "Labour is pandering towards the right, towards Reform, rather than trying to lead from the centre or the left."

Labour's shift toward tougher positions on issues such as immigration, partly in response to the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, risks alienating voters who previously regarded Labour as their natural political home. Local concerns — from housing problems to views on international issues such as the Gaza war — are also driving dissatisfaction in inner‑city wards.

Green Party candidate for London mayor Zoe Garbett poses for photos in London, Britain April 22, 2026. REUTERS/Marissa Davison

Greens Expand Beyond Environment

Under leader Zack Polanski, who took charge in September, the Greens have broadened their platform beyond traditional environmental priorities to include higher taxes on the wealthy, rent controls and the legalisation of some drugs. National polling puts the party in the roughly 15%–20% range at times, and their shock win in a safe Labour seat in Greater Manchester in February has intensified scrutiny of Labour's claim to be the only progressive alternative to Reform.

"People on the doorstep in Hackney really were following that and really could see that we are an alternative," said Zoë Garbett, the Green candidate for Hackney mayor.

Mixed Voter Sentiment

Voters in Hackney remain divided. Mel Bagshaw, 69, a photographer who has long voted Labour, said he would stick with the party because it traditionally protects vulnerable people, calling the Greens "slightly too radical." Sophie Bullock, 39, an operations manager, said she was torn: she values "consistency and stability" but finds the Greens' energy "refreshing."

Polls, Controversies and the Wider Picture

Poll models show tight races in several London boroughs. A YouGov projection put the Greens ahead in four boroughs including Hackney, while JL Partners polling suggested the Greens narrowly lead in Camden, the constituency held by Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, Reform UK could perform strongly in some outer boroughs.

Green Party candidate for London mayor Zoe Garbett canvasses in London, Britain April 22, 2026. REUTERS/Marissa Davison

The Greens have faced controversy after some candidates were accused of antisemitism. Polanski, who is Jewish, has said one case is one too many but warned that legitimate criticism of Israel should not be conflated with antisemitism. He drew criticism from London's police chief after retweeting a post on X that criticised officers over their handling of an arrest following a stabbing in north London.

Labour maintains it is delivering on national priorities — stabilising public finances, reducing child poverty and cutting hospital waiting lists — while navigating a period of diminished popularity since its 2024 election victory. The outcome of the London council votes will be watched closely as an indicator of how the party's shift in direction is playing with its urban base.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout and Marissa Davison; Editing by Toby Chopra)