Greens Take Control of Lewisham and Lambeth Councils, Ending Labour's Long Rule

Labour had governed Lewisham continuously since 1968 and Lambeth since 2006. In the May 2024 local elections, the Greens made significant gains across London, building on earlier successes in Waltham Forest and Hackney.

In Lewisham, the Green Party secured 40 seats, giving it outright control of the council for the first time since 1968. In Lambeth, the Greens added 27 seats, becoming the largest party and removing Labour from power for the first time since 2006. Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said two‑party politics is "dead and buried" and argued the emerging divide is between the Greens and Reform UK.

The results signal a shift in voter allegiance in traditionally Labour‑strong areas, potentially prompting Labour to reassess its local policy and outreach. The Greens’ expanded footprint may influence housing, transport, and climate policies in the boroughs. Labour’s loss in these councils could affect its broader strategy ahead of the next general election. Watch for how the new Green administrations implement their platforms and whether Reform UK capitalises on the fragmented landscape in upcoming contests.