Local elections 2026: Who are London's elected mayors?

Five London boroughs elected new mayors in local elections this week, with the Green Party securing two historic wins. Zoe Garbett became Hackney’s mayor with 35,720 votes, defeating Labour’s Caroline Woodley, while Liam Shrivastava won Lewisham with 35,265 votes, ending Labour’s dominance in the borough. Garbett prioritized social housing and healthcare reform, while Shrivastava campaigned on tackling inequality and local investment. Labour retained Newham with Forhad Hussain’s victory, and the Conservatives held Croydon with Jason Perry. Independent Lutfur Rahman was re-elected in Tower Hamlets, awaiting final results. Unlike other boroughs, these elected mayors control council decisions and appoint cabinets independently of councillor outcomes. Garbett’s third attempt at Hackney’s mayoralty succeeded after two prior losses, while Shrivastava, a former Labour member, cited disillusionment with the party before switching. Both victories exceeded expectations for the Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, who called the results a rejection of ‘two-party politics.’ The Green Party’s manifesto in Lewisham includes retrofitting council homes, rent controls, and a Rogue Landlord Taskforce, aiming to deliver 1,000 new homes. Hackney’s Garbett plans to protect Ridley Road and address the cost-of-living crisis through food co-ops. Financial challenges and housing failures in Lewisham will test Shrivastava’s leadership.