Polling stations have now closed, as Londoners have cast their vote in crucial elections for the capital and Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership.
Local elections are taking place to elect councillors in 32 London boroughs, with votes also happening across England, and in Scotland and Wales.
A total of 1,817 seats are up for grabs across the capital, while voters in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets will also select their mayor.
The elections are expected to be the toughest test for the Prime Minister since the general election in 2024.
Devastating results have been predicted for Labour, with the Green Party and Reform UK expected to make big gains in London.
Results are expected overnight and into Friday evening for most areas.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key Points
- Party leaders issue final messages to Londoners for the elections
- What's at stake for Keir Starmer, Labour and London
- Watch: Keir Starmer arrives to cast his vote
- Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn casts his vote in north London
- Watch: Nigel Farage heads to the polling station to cast his vote
- 'Make your vote count': Mayor Sadiq Khan's plea to Londoners on election day
Polls have now closed
22:00 , Tom PlaceUnless you are already in a queue at a polling station...the polls in London and across the country have now closed.
15 minutes to go....
21:45 , Tom PlaceOnly a quarter of an hour left to cast your vote!
Under an hour until polls close
21:15 , tom placeIf you still haven’t cast your vote, you might want to head to your polling station sharpish.
Not sure where to go? Use the Electoral Commission’s polling station lookup tool to find your local polling station and view the candidates standing in your area.
When will results be announced in my borough?
20:48 , Alastair LockhartResults for council and mayoral elections across London are expected to begin in the early hours of Friday morning, with the latest not announced until Saturday evening.
Here’s a list of the estimated result times for each London borough:
Friday:
• Westminster 3.30am
• Wandsworth 4am
• Ealing 4.30am
• Sutton 4.30am
• Bexley 5am
• Kensington & Chelsea 5am
•Merton 5am
• Richmond-upon-Thames 5am
• Hammersmith & Fulham 5.30am
• Havering 6am
• Islington 3pm
• Waltham Forest 3pm
• Greenwich 4pm
• Hillingdon 4pm
• Harrow 4.30pm
• Barking & Dagenham 5pm
• Barnet 5pm
•Brent 5pm
• Enfield 5pm
• Hackney 5pm
• Redbridge 5pm
• Haringey 5.30pm
• Hounslow 5.30am
•. Camden 6pm
• Kingston-upon-Thames 6pm
• Lambeth 6pm
• Newham 6pm
• Southwark 6pm
• Bromley 7pm
Saturday:
• Croydon 4pm
• Lewisham 4pm
• Tower Hamlets 6pm
Just over two hours until polls close
19:54 , Alastair LockhartLondoners are still heading to vote with just over two hours until polls close.
Almost 25,000 candidates are fighting to be elected to more than 5,000 seats on 136 councils across England, with Labour defending more than half the seats.
Polling stations are open until 10pm.
However, as long as you've joined the queue by this time, you'll still be allowed to vote.
You will need ID to vote in person in London, but don’t worry If you’ve forgotten or misplaced your polling card - you can vote without it.
How did London vote in 2022?
19:16 , Alastair LockhartAt the last local elections in 2022 Labour dominated in London, winning 21 of the city’s 32 councils.
In two boroughs – Barking and Dagenham and Lewisham – Labour won every single seat.
In most London areas it was a straight fight between two of the mainstream parties.
Barnet, Bexley, Enfield, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Southwark, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Newham, Islington and Westminster returned councillors from just two parties.
Reform UK, which only officially rebranded from the Brexit Party in January 2021, did not win any seats.
Meanwhile the Greens, whose candidates have mounted a major challenge to Labour in inner London this year, returned just 17 councillors across eight boroughs.
Londoners cast their votes
18:27 , Alastair LockhartLondoners have been voting in the local elections across the city since polls opened at 7am.
Polling places in every borough will close at 10pm.
Severe travel disruption on the rail network, particularly at Waterloo and Euston stations, are likely to delay commuters in getting home in time to cast their vote.
Passengers have been advised to plan their journey ahead and to expect delays.
Four (and a bit) hours until polls close
17:37 , Tom PlacePolling stations will be closing at 10pm this evening - but as long as you've joined the queue by this time, you'll still be allowed to vote.
Don’t forget, if you’re voting in England you will need ID to vote in person.
If you’ve forgotten or misplaced your polling card, don’t worry - you can vote without it.
When will results be announced?
17:00 , Tom PlaceAlthough polling stations close at 10pm this evening, we won’t know the results for the 2026 local elections until tomorrow at the earliest.
Different boroughs will announce at different times, starting in the early hours of the morning and likely running through until Saturday.
Here’s a list of the estimated results times for each borough:
Friday:
• Westminster 3.30am
• Wandsworth 4am
• Ealing 4.30am
• Sutton 4.30am
• Bexley 5am
• Kensington & Chelsea 5am
•Merton 5am
• Richmond-upon-Thames 5am
• Hammersmith & Fulham 5.30am
• Havering 6am
• Islington 3pm
• Waltham Forest 3pm
• Greenwich 4pm
• Hillingdon 4pm
• Harrow 4.30pm
• Barking & Dagenham 5pm
• Barnet 5pm
•Brent 5pm
• Enfield 5pm
• Hackney 5pm
• Redbridge 5pm
• Haringey 5.30pm
• Hounslow 5.30am
•. Camden 6pm
• Kingston-upon-Thames 6pm
• Lambeth 6pm
• Newham 6pm
• Southwark 6pm
• Bromley 7pm
Saturday:
• Croydon 4pm
• Lewisham 4pm
• Tower Hamlets 6pm
All of the mayoral elections are counting on Friday, with Hackney and Newham expected to declare at 1pm, Watford at 2pm, Lewisham at 3pm, Croydon at 4pm and Tower Hamlets at possibly around 6pm.
Dogs at polling stations
16:13 , Tom PlaceVotes around the country have been bringing their dogs to the polling stations.
We’ve compiled a selection of the most photogenic political pooches today - check out all the best images here.
Kemi Badenoch makes her vote in Essex
15:52 , Tom PlaceConservative leader Kemi Badenoch was pictured arriving to cast her local election votes at Clavering Village Hall in Saffron Walden, north west Essex earlier today
She was seen waving and smiling as she went in with her husband Hamish.
Zack Polanski spotted in Wales
15:39 , Tom PlaceGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has been pictured outside a polling station in Penarth, Wales today, along with Anthony Slaughter, leader of the Green Party in Wales.
Polanski has already postal voted in the London local elections, where he lives.
Watch: Sir Ed Davey casts his vote in local elections
15:24 , Alastair LockhartWhat's at stake in today's elections?
14:44 , Alastair LockhartSir Keir Starmer is facing a huge test for his premiership in the local elections in London, Scotland, Wales and much of England.
Friday is threatening to be a day of reckoning if, as expected, Labour suffers heavy losses across Britain, our Chief Reporter Nicholas Cecil writes.
The results of today’s local elections in England, for the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly will come in over several days.
But by Friday afternoon it should be clear whether Labour is staring at an electoral bruising, a nightmare, a catastrophe or political Armageddon.
What are the other elections happening today?
14:08 , Alastair LockhartWe’ll be bringing you all the latest on the elections across London, but many other important votes are happening across the UK today.
The Scottish Parliament election will see 129 MSPs elected to Holyrood.
In Wales, all the seats in the Senedd are also up for grabs as voters return 96 MSs, an increase from the previous 60 representatives of the parliament.
Across England, around 5,000 councillors will be elected to 136 councils. Some local authorities will elect all of their members today, while others will only elect some.
Do I need to bring photo ID to vote?
13:24 , Alastair LockhartYou will need to bring a form of photo ID to vote in today’s elections. This can be a passport or driving license, but there are several options.
Here is a full list of accepted forms of ID:
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)
- Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
- A Blue Badge
- Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
- Freedom Pass
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- Biometric immigration document
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- National identity card issued by an EEA state
- Voter Authority Certificate
- Anonymous Elector’s Document
Your complete guide to the local elections
13:19 , Alastair LockhartLondoners are heading to the polls to elect councillors for 32 London boroughs.
A total of 1,817 seats are up for grabs across the capital, while voters in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets will also select their mayor.
Labour is defending the most local authorities at 21, but Sir Keir Starmer’s party is facing challenges from the Greens in inner boroughs and independents in east London.
The Conservatives currently hold six councils, while the Liberal Democrats run three. Tower Hamlets is run by the independent left-wing Aspire party and Havering is under no overall control.
Read the Standard’s complete guide to the local elections here
Ed Davey feeling 'positive' as he casts his ballot
12:53 , Alastair LockhartLiberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said he is feeling “very, very positive” as he went to cast his ballot in the local elections at Surbiton Hill Methodist Church in south-west London.
He told reporters a good result for the Lib Dems will mean “lots of gains”, as he arrived with his wife, Emily, on Thursday.
When asked if he was worried about the Green Party, Sir Ed said: “We are worried about can we win even more? We are on the up.”
Sir Ed smiled as he waved at a passer-by outside the polling station before stopping to shake hands with a member of the public.
When asked by reporters if he was excited, he said: “I’m always excited on election day.”
Starmer and Khan ramp up efforts to get voters back to Labour in Wandsworth
12:44 , Megan HoweSir Sadiq Khan and Sir Keir Starmer both ramping up efforts to get voters to back Labour in Wandsworth, a council which it won off the Tories in 2022.
The London Mayor posted on X: “Here in Wandsworth, local Labour councillors working with a hardworking Labour council, a Labour Mayor and Labour government have delivered real change for local residents.
“Don’t risk the progress we’ve made - vote Labour today.”
Labour leader and Prime Minister Sir Keir reposted the mayor’s message.
Their joint efforts suggest Labour might think it has a chance of keeping control of the council.
But in the new era of five-party politics MPs admit they are struggling to work out likely vote shares.
Here in Wandsworth, local Labour councillors working with a hardworking Labour council, a Labour Mayor and Labour government have delivered real change for local residents.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 7, 2026
Don’t risk the progress we’ve made - vote Labour today. pic.twitter.com/Q3qUd0u8Ze
Reform economic spokesman Robert Jenrick takes his dog to the polling station
12:39 , Megan HoweFormer Cabinet minister Mr Jenrick defected to Nigel Farage’s party from the Conservatives.
Mr Farage told The Standard that May 7 is a cut-off date for Tories going to Reform amid claims that the string of defections is damaging his party.
Time will tell if he sticks to this policy.
Vote, vote, vote!
— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) May 7, 2026
Let’s get Starmer OUT! pic.twitter.com/PVUUtc3S8Z
Dogs at polling stations across the UK
12:20 , Megan HoweIt’s local election day, which can mean only one thing: the nation’s dogs are out in force for their annual photoshoot outside polling stations.
From Labradors and terriers to greyhounds and German Shepherds, the capital’s canine voters have been turning up in all shapes and sizes.
Here’s a selection of today’s most photogenic political pooches making their way to the polls.
When are the results going to be announced?
12:13 , Megan HoweResults for the 2026 local elections will come out tomorrow, starting in the early hours of the morning and likely running through until Saturday.
Here’s a list of the estimated results times for each borough:
• Westminster 3.30am
• Wandsworth 4am
• Ealing 4.30am
• Sutton 4.30am
• Bexley 5am
• Kensington & Chelsea 5am
•Merton 5am
• Richmond-upon-Thames 5am
• Hammersmith & Fulham 5.30am
• Havering 6am
• Islington 3pm
• Waltham Forest 3pm
• Greenwich 4pm
• Hillingdon 4pm
• Harrow 4.30pm
• Barking & Dagenham 5pm
• Barnet 5pm
•Brent 5pm
• Enfield 5pm
• Hackney 5pm
• Redbridge 5pm
• Haringey 5.30pm
• Hounslow 5.30am
•. Camden 6pm
• Kingston-upon-Thames 6pm
• Lambeth 6pm
• Newham 6pm
• Southwark 6pm
• Bromley 7pm
Some results will be coming in on Saturday, they are as follows:
• Croydon 4pm
• Lewisham 4pm
• Tower Hamlets 6pm
All of the mayoral elections are counting on Friday, with Hackney and Newham expected to declare at 1pm, Watford at 2pm, Lewisham at 3pm, Croydon at 4pm and Tower Hamlets at possibly around 6pm.
Labour candidates in London using endorsement from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in their campaigning.
11:08 , Megan HoweA Labour leaflet, shared on X, shows the party have been using endorsements from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
Mr Burnham is more popular among some Left-leaning voters than Sir Keir Starmer.
“Incredible that Labour in London are featuring endorsements from Andy Burnham on their leaflets - but not Keir Starmer or Sadiq Khan,” the post reads.
Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn casts his vote
10:56 , Megan HoweThe MP for Islington North wrote on X: “I just voted for three fantastic independent candidates in Finsbury Park who oppose austerity, stand up to racism and support the people of Palestine. Today, a new kind of politics is on the ballot — and community power will win!”
I just voted for three fantastic independent candidates in Finsbury Park who oppose austerity, stand up to racism and support the people of Palestine.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 7, 2026
Today, a new kind of politics is on the ballot — and community power will win! pic.twitter.com/gVVK5hl9it
Watch: Nigel Farage heads to the polling station to cast his vote
10:50 , Megan HoweThe Reform UK leader showed off his Union Jack socks as he went to cast his vote this morning.
Labour puts potholes and community skips at heart of battle for Barnet
10:31 , Megan HoweAs Labour seeks to keep control of Barnet, won from the Tories in 2022, it is seeking to get voters to focus on local issues rather than controversies over Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership.
Hendon Labour MP David Pinto-Duschinsky posted on X: “Since coming to power, Barnet’s Labour council has filled over 15K potholes, got our CCTV working, brought back community skips, secured 1,000 new council homes, protected the Freedom Pass and so much more besides, all while keeping council tax lower than Tory-run Harrow or any neighbouring borough.”
Since coming to power, Barnet’s Labour council has filled over 15K potholes, got our CCTV working, brought back community skips, secured 1,000 new council homes, protected the Freedom Pass and so much more besides, all while keeping council tax lower than Tory-run Harrow or any… https://t.co/dthc2ybdgC
— David Pinto-Duschinsky MP (@DavidPintoD) May 7, 2026
Sir Sadiq Khan joins Labour battle against Aspire in Tower Hamlets contest
09:57 , Megan HoweLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan has shown his support for Labour’s Tower Hamlets mayoral candidate Sirajul Islam in the local elections.
The position is currently held by Aspire’s Lutfur Rahman who was elected in 2022 with 54.9% of the vote in the second round of counting. The turnout was 41.9%.
“I’m asking for everyone in Tower Hamlets to vote for my friend, Sirajul Islam,” Khan says.
“He’s got the values, the vision and the integrity to be a great leader of Tower Hamlets.”
🗳️ TODAY IS ELECTION DAY.@SadiqKhan is backing @CllrSirajIslam for Mayor of Tower Hamlets.
— Tower Hamlets Labour Group (@TH_Labour) May 7, 2026
📸 Don’t forget, you MUST bring photo ID to vote.
Polls close at 10pm. Make your vote count. #TowerHamlets pic.twitter.com/cjT7ZoYzqn
Party leaders issue final messages to Londoners for the elections
09:49 , Megan HoweOur Chief Reporter Nic Cecil has released the final messages and appeals from party leaders as Londoners take to the polls today.
So, what have they all said?
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said voters had a “clear choice” between “progress and a better future” with a Labour council working with a Labour Government versus “the anger and division offered up by Reform or empty promises from the Greens."
Green Party leader Zack 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.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stressed: “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.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “Under Sadiq Khan and Labour, London has lost its joy. Nightlife has disappeared, crime has got worse and housebuilding gone backwards. Only Conservatives offer a real alternative to Labour’s high tax, anti-business, joyless approach.”
Liberal Democrat 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 Liberal Democrats are offering a real plan to fix the housing crisis, get our public transport back on track, and tackle crime.”
Labour MP Ed Miliband makes air quality a key election issue
09:15 , Megan HoweNet Zero Secretary Ed Miliband is making air quality in London a key borough election issue.
The north Londoner said: "It's polling day, and I'm asking you to vote for your brilliant local Labour candidates in this election.
"£11 billion for social and affordable housing, free breakfast clubs, free school meals, building more council homes and keeping air quality within legal limits.
"It's all on the ballot today. Don't forget your voter ID and vote Labour today until 10pm."
Sir Sadiq Khan's Ulez ultra low emission zone has been credited with cleaning up air, particularly in Inner London.
But Nigel Farage's Reform UK has campaigned against the London Mayor's air quality scheme, arguing it is having little impact in Outer London and penalising motorists.
In pictures: Early bird voters head to polling stations to cast their votes
09:10 , Megan Howe
WATCH: Sir Keir Starmer arrives to cast his vote
09:03 , Megan HoweLabour launches 'Hackney we love you' video
08:55 , Megan HoweLabour has launched a "Hackney we love you" video as it seeks to cling onto the council.
The borough is top of the target list for Zack Polanski's Green Party.
Mr Polanski has told The Standard how he is "very confident" that Green candidate Zoe Garbett will be elected Mayor of Hackney.
Our message to Hackney.
— Hackney Labour (@HackneyLabour) May 4, 2026
Vote Labour on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/TxiylKrba7
'We're the only party you can vote for if you want real change,' says Farage
08:53 , Megan Howe“The polls are open. Go out and vote Reform,” says Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
“And do it because we’re going to get rid of Keir Starmer when we win and we are the only party you can vote for if you want real change in a country that is going downhill rapidly.”
The key thing to note is this is not a general election - seats in Westminster will remain unchallenged.
Polls are now open.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) May 7, 2026
Vote Reform UK today. ✅ pic.twitter.com/cGDIlCGUgL
'Choose progress over politics of anger', says Keir Starmer
08:46 , Megan HowePrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has written on X: "Today, choose progress over the politics of anger.
"Vote Labour."
He was seen casting his vote at Westminster Chapel earlier this morning.
Today, choose progress over the politics of anger.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 7, 2026
Vote Labour. pic.twitter.com/xRyBpfaboP
What's the weather forecast for polling day?
08:31 , Megan HoweIt’s looking like a bit of a mixed bag for voters heading to the polls today.
Forecasters say there will be sunny spells this morning followed by some showers in the afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to reach around 16C, but feeling more like 14C.
PM casts his vote at the ballot box in Westminster
08:23 , Megan HoweSir Keir Starmer cast his ballot at Westminster Chapel in central London this morning.
Walking hand-in-hand with his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, Starmer spent around two minutes in the polling station before leaving.
He did not respond when asked by reporters how he was feeling and if he would resign if the Labour Party performs poorly, as some projections have forecast.
Shortly before the Prime Minister arrived, a member of the public remarked on the huddle of photographers outside Westminster Chapel, saying: “If I’d known you guys were all rocking up, I would have worn something different!”
Still unsure who to vote for? Take a look at the candidates in your area
08:08 , Megan HoweOne of the easiest ways to find your local candidates is to visit the Electoral Commission website and enter your postcode.
This way you can find out where your nearest polling station is and you’ll see a list of all candidates.
More than six million London residents are eligible to vote in the local elections. They offer people the chance to have their say on what happens in their local area.
More than 1,800 councillors will be elected across London’s 32 boroughs, they run services such as bin collections and adult social care.
Mayors of Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets will also be elected at the same time.
As it stands, Labour currently run 21 London councils, the Conservatives control five, the Lib Dems hold three and two councils are in no overall control.
Not able to vote in person?
07:59 , Megan HoweIf you’re not able to vote in person, emergency proxy voting is still available.
This is essentially where you can ask someone else - a proxy - to vote on your behalf.
You can apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm today.
But both you and your proxy must already be registered to vote.
What's at stake for the Labour party in the May local elections?
07:52 , Megan HoweFor Sir Keir Starmer, Friday, May 8, is threatening to be a day of reckoning if, as expected, Labour suffers heavy losses across Britain.
The results of Thursday’s local elections in England, for the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly will come in over several days.
But by Friday afternoon it should be clear whether Labour is staring at an electoral bruising, a nightmare, a catastrophe or political Armageddon.
Read Standard Chief Reporter Nic Cecil’s full breakdown of the political lay of the land:
Local elections: What's at stake for Starmer, Labour and London?
How do I vote and what do I need to take with me?
07:47 , Megan HoweIf you’re voting for the first time, or you’re unsure how to cast your ballot in this election, don’t worry.
The process is straightforward, but there are a few important things you should know beforehand.
First you need to be registered to vote. The deadline for this election has passed, but you can check if you’re registered to vote here.
If you’re in Scotland or Wales, you do not need ID to vote in person, but everyone voting in England does.
More than 20 forms of ID are accepted, these include:
• Passport
• Driving licence or provisional
• A Blue Badge
• Oyster 60+ cards
• Identity card
Out of date forms of ID are excepted so long as the photograph still looks like you.
Polls open as voters across the UK head to the ballot box
07:28 , Megan HowePolls have opened across London, England and Scotland, as voters head to the ballot box in a crucial round of local elections.
All 32 London boroughs are up for grabs, with 1,817 council seats up for election.
Voters in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets will also choose their directly elected mayors.
A key thing to note is that this is not a general election, so seats in Westminster will go unchanged.
Polling stations opened at 7am and will remain open until 10pm. Anyone in the queue before 10pm will still be allowed to vote.
Residents can use the Electoral Commission’s polling station lookup tool to find their local polling station and view the candidates standing in their area.
Labour faces pressure from the Green Party in parts of inner London, while Reform UK and independent candidates could make gains in several outer-London boroughs.
Vote counting will begin once polls close tonight, with most results expected between the early hours of Friday morning and Saturday afternoon.
