Local Elections Profile: The Battle for Bexley’s 45 Seats

As London prepares for its borough-wide elections on 7 May 2026, the London Borough of Bexley stands out as a critical battleground that could signal broader shifts in the capital’s political landscape. For the first time in nearly two decades, the Conservative-dominated council enters an election under new leadership, following the stepping down of Baroness O’Neill of Bexley in late 2025. This transition marks a significant moment for a borough that has remained a steadfast blue stronghold in South East London, even as surrounding areas have shifted toward Labour.

All 45 seats across Bexley’s 17 wards are up for election, with the Conservatives defending a current majority. However, the political composition of the council has seen subtle changes since the 2022 polls. While the Conservatives originally secured 33 seats, three councillors have since moved to sit as Independents—Felix Di Netimah, Nigel Betts, and James Hunt—leaving the party with 30 seats heading into the 2026 campaign. Labour, currently holding 12 seats under the leadership of Stefano Borella, is looking to capitalize on this perceived fragmentation and build on the momentum they gained in 2022, when they saw a 10% increase in their borough-wide vote share.

The Conservative campaign is being led by Councillor David Leaf, who was selected as council leader in November 2025. Leaf faces the challenge of maintaining the party’s long-standing grip on the borough while addressing local concerns over council tax increases and the preservation of green spaces. Labour, meanwhile, is focusing its efforts on “marginal” wards such as East Wickham and Crayford, where they fell short by fewer than 100 votes in the previous election. These areas are expected to be the primary sites of intense door-knocking and campaigning as both parties vie for the 23 seats required for a majority.

The 2026 election also serves as a test for the borough’s smaller parties. While the Liberal Democrats and Greens have struggled to gain a foothold in Bexley in recent cycles, they continue to run candidates in a bid to challenge the two-party dominance. Issues such as the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)—which was a major point of contention in Bexley during the 2024 mayoral elections—and local infrastructure projects are expected to be key talking points on the doorstep.

Voters in Bexley are reminded of the strict administrative deadlines approaching this month. To participate in the May poll, residents must be registered by midnight on Monday, 20 April 2026. This election also continues the requirement for photo ID at polling stations; those without a valid form of identification have until 5pm on 28 April to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. As the 9 April deadline for the official list of candidates approaches, the political temperature in Bexley is rising, with both major parties viewing this as a defining contest for the future of South East London.

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