Bromley is set to be a key battleground in next month's local elections as Reform UK aims to take control of a London borough for the first time. Bromley Council has been a Conservative stronghold for over 20 years, with the Tories currently holding 33 seats and the majority on the South East London council.
In its latest poll, YouGov predicts a knife-edge result between the Tories and Reform UK over who will emerge with the most seats. The election data analysts have Reform UK just a step ahead, with 24 points to the Conservatives' 23 in voting intentions.
Key Issues in the Bromley Elections
All parties have announced their plans for Bromley if they seize power or gain seats on May 7. Developing on the Green Belt is a hot-button issue in the borough, especially due to recent plans to build 2,200 homes on Bromley Common and 650 homes in Biggin Hill. Parties have committed to not building on Bromley's green spaces or at least discouraging development there. Transport is also a key topic, with the Conservatives committing to not introducing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) or blanket 20 mph zones.
Reform UK has proposed introducing free parking in main shopping centres and parades across Bromley to help businesses and stimulate the local economy. Bromley's current opposition Labour group also has ambitious plans, including raising its affordable housing target to 50 per cent and delivering 300 new council homes by 2028. The Liberal Democrats have five council seats and hope to maintain their control of Beckenham and Bromley Town, while the Greens are hoping to have their first councillor elected in Bromley. Independent party Chislehurst Matters is also standing again in the suburb to the east of the borough.
Conservative Manifesto
The Tories are hoping to 'Keep Bromley on the right path' with their manifesto as they aim to retain control of Bromley Council. Key pledges include protecting Bromley's Green Belt from inappropriate development, delivering more housing on brownfield land, and not building on parks, allotments, or other green spaces. They also commit to continuing Bromley's record as London's best borough for recycling, a strict approach to fly-tipping and graffiti, completing the rebuilding of West Wickham Leisure Centre, and delivering 150 new SEN school places. On transport, they will not introduce LTNs or blanket 20 mph zones and will invest £16 million over four years to improve roads. Financially, they aim to present a balanced budget, keep council tax low, and lobby central government for fairer funding.
Reform UK Manifesto
Reform UK does not have individual manifestos for all London boroughs, but Bromley is a key target for Nigel Farage's party. Their plans include discouraging development on open green spaces, fields, and farms while allowing development on ex-commercial sites still designated as Green Belt. They aim to get rid of all net-zero aspects of council expenditure, address council finances to prevent potential bankruptcy, and introduce free parking in main shopping centres and parades. They also plan to communicate with other Reform councils to identify best practices for running council services.
Labour Manifesto
Labour, currently the opposition group with 11 members, aims to grow with their extensive manifesto. Key pledges include stopping the sale of public buildings, protecting community centres and youth facilities, consulting on an Ethical Investment Policy, and making services digital by default while retaining phone and face-to-face options. They will introduce a Service Standards Charter, livestream all council meetings, and make Bromley Council a London Living Wage employer. On housing, they will raise the affordable housing target to 50 per cent, deliver 300 new council homes by 2028, and focus development on brownfield and 'grey belt' sites. They also plan to adopt a new homelessness strategy to end rough sleeping by 2030, expand in-house adult care services, and reform SEND services.
Liberal Democrat Manifesto
The Liberal Democrats have five Bromley councillors and hope to increase that number. Their transport plans include working with residents to identify dangerous crossings and speeding hotspots, pushing for evidence-based improvements, lobbying TfL to cut congestion, and prioritising investment in Bromley South station. On housing, they support meeting genuine housing need while defending the Green Belt, backing the right homes in the right locations, and supporting town centre living. They oppose the sale of valued community assets and push for meaningful regeneration of Bromley Town Centre. On policing, they support a Burglary Response Guarantee and oppose reductions in policing services.
Green Party Priorities
The Greens have never held a seat on Bromley Council, but following a surge in popularity, they hope to gain a foothold. Their main priorities include a council that listens and delivers, tackling the cost of living, providing affordable homes, ensuring safer and cleaner streets, and creating a greener Bromley where everyone belongs.
Chislehurst Matters
The independent group of three councillors holds all three seats in Chislehurst ward and is running for re-election. They promise to always put the interests of Chislehurst and its residents first, hold regular open surgeries, protect and enhance Chislehurst's green spaces and heritage, and be fully accountable to residents.
