7 May 2024

Local elections took place on Thursday last week (2 May) in in 107 local authorities across England – the last local election before the next general election.

As Sadiq Khan embarks on his third term as London Mayor, our Chief Executive, Ros Morgan, said:

“We congratulate Sadiq and his team on securing a historic third term and look forward to building on the strong and collaborative relationship we have developed over the last decade. It has been invaluable to have a Mayor who understands and is supportive of the role BIDs play. A third term presents an opportunity for the Mayor to promptly address the issues that matter most to our members, including policing, transport, and inward investment.”

A comprehensive report is available and offers a detailed analysis of the election results, providing valuable insights tailored to the interests of HOLBA members.

Here are the key takeaways, which included the Mayor of London and London Assembly members.

1. London’s Mayoral Race: Mayor Sadiq Khan achieved a historic third term, with an increased vote share of 43.8%, marking significant support across both inner and outer London. His victory by an 11.1 percentage point margin over Conservative candidate Susan Hall, who garnered 32.7% of the vote, was notably strong despite predictions of a closer race.Policy-wise, Khan’s victory speech emphasised continued commitment to making London “fairer, safer, and greener,” with pledges including free school meals, a freeze on transport fares, increased housing, and environmental initiatives. These commitments are set against a backdrop of national political dynamics, with potential implications for the upcoming General Election where Labour hopes to consolidate its strong performance in London.Overall, the election not only solidifies Khan’s leadership and vision for London but also sets the stage for the forthcoming General Election.
2. GLA results: 25 members of the London Assembly were elected which, alongside the mayoral election, saw Labour maintain a strong presence. Overall, the Conservatives lost one seat, Reform UK gained one, leaving the new London Assembly as Labour 11, Conservatives 8, Green 3, Lib Dem 2 and Reform UK 1. The assembly elections are crucial as they provide the support or opposition Khan will encounter when implementing his policies.

4. National Results: Labour secured major victories, assuming control of almost all Metro Mayor positions except for Tees Valley and succeeding in pivotal council areas such as Redditch, MiltonKeynes, and Nuneaton & Bedworth. These wins suggest positive momentum for Labour as it gears up for the upcoming General Election. Despite these successes, concerns have emerged regarding Labour’s support within Muslim communities, highlighted by the party’s loss in Oldham, which has been attributed to its stance on Gaza.
5. What’s next? Sadiq Khan’s immediate post- election period will involve key reappointments within his team, including Deputy Mayors.Khan’s policies emphasise environmental sustainability and economic growth, with a focus on improving social housing conditions. His administration plans to continue tackling air pollution and rolling out a comprehensive London Growth Plan to create over 150,000 new jobs by 2028.The general political climate suggests a complex scenario in the upcoming General Election, with potential implications for both London’s governance and broader national policies. The latest electoral results indicate a challenging landscape for the Conservatives, particularly in London, with Labour poised to capitalise on current momentum.