Party leaders issued their final messages to Londoners for today’s local elections, which are expected to radically shake up the capital’s political map.
With Zack Polanski’s Greens and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK set to make major gains for the first time in the city, according to past polls, Sir Keir Starmer has urged people to stick with Labour.
With the stakes so high for his political future and London local government, the Prime Minister said: “Today when you put your vote in the ballot box you face a clear choice.
“Progress and a better future for the community you call home, with a Labour council working with a Labour Government.
“Versus the anger and division offered up by Reform or empty promises from the Greens. Today, choose unity over division.”
With the Greens expected to make major inroads in Inner London, Mr Polanski appealed: “Let’s make history and elect a record number of Green councillors, who will work hard to make London an affordable place to live, and to make London the greenest city in the world.
“I love London, but it is also one of the hardest cities in the world to live.
“Labour councils have failed for decades now to provide the homes that people need and at the costs that people can afford.”
Having effectively already declared that Reform will win Havering in east Outer London, Mr Farage stressed: "London is buckling after years of stale Tory and Labour control.
“Labour have allowed crime to run rampant in our capital, whilst the Conservatives are concreting over our green spaces in boroughs like Bromley and Bexley.
"Voters have a chance to deliver real change in London.”
With the Tories seeking to win back Westminster, Wandsworth and Barnet from Labour, Kemi Badenoch said: "Our plan to boost our high streets, bring down energy bills, and take back our streets from crime and anti-social behaviour will make a real difference to London and Londoners.
The Tory leader added: “Under Sadiq Khan and Labour, London has lost its joy. The nightlife has disappeared, crime has got worse and housebuilding has gone backwards.
“Only the Conservatives offer a real alternative to Labour’s high tax, anti-business, joyless approach.”
As the Liberal Democrats seek to win their fourth council, Merton, in London, party leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Londoners have a clear choice: more of the same, or a fresh start with local champions who truly care about their community.
“Only the Liberal Democrats are offering a real plan to fix the housing crisis, get our public transport back on track, and tackle crime by restoring neighbourhood policing.
“Right across the capital, from Merton to Southwark to Camden, we have a chance to send a clear message: that people are sick and tired of their services not being run properly and their high streets being neglected.”
Polling stations across the capital are open from 7am to 10pm.
Almost 25,000 candidates are fighting to be elected to more than 5,000 seats on 136 councils across England.
In Scotland, all 129 seats are up for election at Holyrood while voters in Wales will choose 96 members of the Senedd.
