The local election results across the London Borough of Lewisham have resulted in significant change. A change in the personalities governing the borough in the form of the Green Party.
The rise of the Greens has meant that many long serving Labour Councillors have stepped down or lost their seats. These include Lewisham Council’s longest serving Councillor Chris Best of Sydenham who had continuous service since 1986.
Also, noteworthy is the result of the election in Bellingham. According to psephologists, this is the first time since the creation of the ward when the LCC Estate was built in the 1920s that the Labour Party has lost a seat on Lewisham Council. However, the party has retained one of the two seats.
At this time, it is right to take a look at the Lewisham Green Party manifesto. Their promise is ‘Hope’. In the document they say that they will take a different approach from the past administrations.
Key to the new approach is the pledge to “protect Lewisham’s green spaces and land for Lewisham residents, deliver new affordable homes, care homes and temporary accommodation, building an ‘Economy of Care’ that keeps wealth in Lewisham.”
The full document is here.
Lewisham-Green-Party-MANIFESTO-2026_FINAL_singlesThey have pledged to strengthen accountability by working with trade unions to improve working conditions, tackle exploitation, and promote Living Wages. The Lewisham Trade Union Council – the representative body of Trade Unions – have written to the new Mayor Liam Shrivastava, to explore how this will be practically implemented.
Lewisham Council will hold an AGM on Wednesday, 20th May 2026. A new cabinet to form the Executive will be announced. The size and composition will be important to deliver the Green Party’s manifesto commitments. How will Lewisham Council’s officers integrate this new approach into culture of the Council? An interesting question that will need to be answered if the public is to notice real changes.
Of course, a new Labour Opposition will be formally unveiled too. Their fourteen strong group will have to scrutinise the new administration. An important task in our democracy. They will announce their choice of spokespersons.
The final local election results included the mayor being elected as a councillor for Crofton Park. Consequentially, an immediate by election has been called for Thursday 18 June 2026.
This means the numerical make up of Lewisham Council following the local elections held on Thursday, 7 May 2026 is:
Green Party Councillors 39, Labour Party Councillors 14. The Mayor is a voting member as well, this brings the total to 40 for the Green Party.