The London Local Election 2026 is taking place on Thursday May 7.

6 May, 2026

The London Local Elections 2026 are taking place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with voters across the capital heading to polling stations to elect local councillors and, in some boroughs, mayors. With more than 1,800 council seats being contested across London’s 32 boroughs, these elections are expected to play a major role in shaping local leadership, public services, housing, transport, and community policies for the coming years. Whether you’re voting in person, by post, or following the results overnight, here’s a complete guide to everything you need to know.

When Are the London Local Elections 2026?

The London Local Elections 2026 are being held on: 📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026 Polling stations across London will open from: 🕖 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Voters must arrive before 10pm in order to cast their vote.

What Is Being Voted On?

Across London, residents will vote for: Local ward councillors Borough council representatives Directly elected mayors in selected boroughs The boroughs electing mayors include: Croydon Hackney Lewisham Newham Tower Hamlets These elections are closely watched because they influence decisions on local services including housing, education, transport, road maintenance, public safety, and environmental initiatives.

Where Is My Polling Station?

If you’re registered to vote, your polling station address should appear on your polling card. You can also locate your nearest polling station by checking your postcode through your local council or Electoral Commission website.

What ID Do You Need to Vote?

To vote in person, you must bring an accepted form of photo identification. Accepted forms of ID include: Passport UK or EEA driving licence Blue Badge Freedom Pass 60+ London Oyster Photocard PASS card Biometric immigration document Voter Authority Certificate Defence Identity Card Without valid photo ID, you may not be allowed to vote.

Is It Too Late to Register to Vote?

Yes. Registration deadlines for the 2026 local elections have now passed.

Previous deadlines included:

In-person voting registration: April 20
Postal vote applications: April 21
Proxy vote applications: April 28

Ways to Vote

There are three main ways to participate in the election:

Voting in Person

Visit your assigned polling station and bring valid photo ID.

Voting by Post

Postal ballots must arrive before polling stations close on election day. Completed postal votes can also be handed in at polling stations.

Voting by Proxy

A trusted person can vote on your behalf if you arranged this before the proxy voting deadline.

When Will Results Be Announced?

Most boroughs are expected to announce results on Friday, May 8, although some counts may continue into Saturday.

A few expected declaration times include:

Westminster – 4:30am Friday
Harrow – 4:30pm Friday
Ealing – 4:30am Friday
Tower Hamlets – 6pm Saturday
Croydon – 4pm Saturday

Results are expected to provide insight into political trends across the capital and could influence future national political discussions.

Travel Around London on Election Day

Election day can bring increased activity around polling stations, town halls, and counting centres across London. Residents are encouraged to plan their journeys ahead of time, especially during evening result announcements.

Reliable Local Travel with Horizon Minicab

For comfortable and dependable travel across London, consider booking with Horizon Minicab Services.

Whether you’re travelling to a polling station, work, or following election coverage around the city, Horizon Minicab offers:

Professional and experienced drivers
Pre-booked local and long-distance journeys
Reliable pickups across London
Comfortable transport for individuals and groups

Planning ahead can help make election day travel smooth and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

The London Local Elections 2026 are an important moment for communities across the capital. From borough councils to directly elected mayors, the results will shape many aspects of daily life in London for years to come.

Whether you’re heading to the polling station early in the morning or following the results overnight, staying informed and prepared is the best way to take part in the democratic process.