Greens Take Control of Lewisham and Lambeth, Ending Labour’s South‑London Dominance

*TL;DR: The Greens won majority control of Lewisham and became the largest party in Lambeth, ending Labour’s long hold on South London and boosting their national council tally past 440 seats.

Context South London has been a Labour stronghold for generations, with Lewisham electing only Labour councillors since 1968 and Lambeth under Labour control since 2006. The recent local elections shattered that pattern, delivering a decisive shift toward the Green Party.

Key Facts - In Lewisham, the Greens captured 40 seats, securing an outright majority and displacing Labour, which had won every seat in the 2022 election. - In Lambeth, the Greens added 27 seats, overtaking Labour as the largest party, though they fell short of a full majority. - Across England, the Green Party increased its council representation by more than 440 seats and elected its first mayors in Hackney and Lewisham. - Party leader Zack Polanski declared the results a “replacement” of Labour, adding that two‑party politics is now “dead and buried.” - The gains extend beyond London; the Greens now control councils in Norwich, Hastings, Waltham Forest, and Hackney, and have made inroads in cities such as Manchester, Oxford and Southampton.

What It Means The loss of Lewisham and Lambeth signals a realignment of urban politics in the capital. Labour’s grip on South London, once considered unassailable, has eroded as voters gravitate toward the Greens’ environmental and social platform. The party’s surge to over 440 new councillors marks its strongest local performance ever, positioning it as a credible third force in British politics.

Nationally, the results suggest a fragmentation of the traditional two‑party system. Analysts note that the Greens’ success, while still far behind the major parties in parliamentary seats, could influence policy debates, especially on climate action and public services. Labour will need to reassess its local strategies to prevent further erosion in its historic heartlands.

Looking Ahead Watch how Labour responds in upcoming by‑elections and whether the Greens can translate council victories into broader electoral momentum in the next general election.