Jeremy Corbyn's Your Party is backing Independent candidates in the upcoming local elections in May, focusing on London boroughs where Labour support has declined. The party aims to support around 250 candidates, most standing under independent or local party banners rather than Your Party itself.
Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets, led by Mayor Lutfur Rahman of the Aspire Party since 2022, is seen as a "beacon council" by Your Party. The council has introduced free school meals for all primary and secondary students and reinstated the Education Maintenance Allowance, originally cut by the coalition government. Your Party views this as a model for socialist, redistributive policies.
Newham
In Newham, the Newham Independents Party has recently won several by-elections. Candidate Tahir Mirza stated that residents are disillusioned with Labour over issues like poor housing, high charges, and the party's stance on Gaza. Supported by Corbyn and Your Party, Newham Independents aim to deliver what they call a "political earthquake" on May 7, with Mehmood Mirza running for Mayor.
Redbridge
Redbridge Independents have also won multiple by-elections from Labour. Leader Vaseem Ahmed criticized Labour for resorting to "dog whistle politics" and emphasized that their candidates are rooted in the community, working in the NHS, professions, driving buses, or running small businesses. He noted growing momentum and volunteer support.
Your Party's local election campaigns focus on the impact of austerity, the crisis in social care, and council divestment from Israel. The party's founding conference in November 2025 voted to maximize seats rather than contest every ward. Corbyn is expected to campaign nationwide for Your Party-backed candidates.
Jeremy Corbyn said: "These elections are the beginning of the fightback against austerity, privatisation and fear. Community independent groups offer an alternative to the despair of Labour and the division of Reform. We are proud to support those standing for redistribution, inclusion and peace."
Lutfur Rahman added: "The alliance with Your Party, Aspire, and progressive independents and Greens presents a real opportunity to replace Labour-led councils with administrations accountable to communities. In Tower Hamlets, we've shown how socialist policies can transform lives."
Tahir Mirza commented: "People of Newham have had enough of Labour's poor housing, high charges, and complicity in foreign wars. Supported by Corbyn, we offer something different: an alternative by the community, for the community."
Vaseem Ahmed concluded: "Labour should take us seriously. We are independent, accountable, and grounded in the community. Residents are fed up with being taken for granted. We have the organization and momentum to offer a real alternative."
