Welcome to our election live blog for the Camden Council elections taking place today, Thursday, May 7, 2026. This is an 'all out election' where residents in every ward choose their councillors. Postal voting has been ongoing for days, but the bulk of ballots will arrive at polling stations. The last chance to vote is before 10pm tonight, after which ballot papers will be locked away overnight before counting tomorrow (Friday). The traditional overnight count was dropped last time, though some London councils will work into the early hours. We'll follow the action through polling day until the final result. Check back for updates.
Morning Updates
10.05AM: It's worth noting the starting point for these elections. Labour holds 45 of the 55 seats, meaning a dramatic fall would be needed to lose control. In 2022, they won easily amid Boris Johnson's unpopularity; now, rivals encourage voters to send a message to Sir Keir Starmer's government. One danger for Labour is that left-leaning voters may spread support across multiple ballot boxes.
10.20AM: The #dogsatpollingstations trend returns. We'll publish the best photos from Camden on Instagram (@camdennewjournal) and in our election print special. Send your pooch pics to lloyd@camdennewjournal.co.uk. Here's a starter: Daisy's little pal Rudy in Primrose Hill.
11.10AM: Lime e-bikes are offering two free 15-minute journeys per user today to help people reach polling stations. The company's motives may be democratic or commercial, but either way, it's a boon for voters.
Midday Highlights
12.10PM: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was pictured heading to the polls in Westminster with his wife Victoria. Formerly a Kentish Town voter, he now casts his ballot at Westminster Chapel. Labour could use their votes in Kentish Town, but Westminster is also at risk.
1.00PM: Our pets at the polls collection grows. Favourites from Camden and Islington include Santi, Coco, Eddie, Pudding, and Gregg. Keep sending your #dogsatpollingstations photos.
1.30PM: Sir Sadiq Khan has been seen helping the GOTV operation in Kentish Town. His presence is notable as NW5 was once considered safe Labour. Similarly, Holborn and Covent Garden, a Labour fortress, now sees Green activists animated. Labour council leader Richard Olszewski's ward switch from Fortune Green has sparked an unexpected sub-story.
Afternoon Developments
2.10PM: Nigel Rumble reappears, despite dropping off the Conservative candidate list. With yellow glowing sunglasses and leaflets, he helps Tories in Primrose Hill, where they hope to unseat Labour. Rumble has spent over a decade unsuccessfully trying to become a councillor in Camden.
3.00PM: The Greens projected a 'VOTE XXX' light show on the 'Welcome To Kentish Town' mural last night. The legality is unclear, but they seemed pleased.
3.55PM: We bumped into council leader Richard Olszewski and health chief Anna Wright in York Rise. Power-walking with leaflets, they aim to talk to as many people as possible and 'win'. It's busy in Highgate as two cabinet members fend off the Green threat from Caitlin Maskell.
4.00PM: Sir Sadiq Khan tweeted photos from Kentish Town. The talk of the town is who has the most sensible Dad trainers for a day of 10,000 steps.
4.50PM: A look back at Will Blair, a Conservative candidate who voted at his doctor's surgery in Kentish Town. May 7 is remembered as 'Will Blair Day' by Camden politics spotters.
