The Conservative Party has retained control of Kensington and Chelsea Council, securing 34 out of 50 seats in the local elections held in May 2026. The result maintains the Tories' long-standing dominance in the West London borough, which has been under Conservative leadership since its creation in 1965.
Labour Makes Significant Gains
Labour increased its presence on the council from seven to 13 seats, making it the dominant opposition party. This represents a gain of six seats compared to the 2022 election, bucking the national trend of declining two-party dominance. The Liberal Democrats also made progress, winning three seats, including all three in the Earl's Court Ward, where they gained one seat from the Conservatives. Cllr Linda Wade was elected for a fifth consecutive term in that ward.
Independents and Smaller Parties Lose Ground
Advance UK lost one seat, and the Green Party lost one seat, effectively returning the borough to a three-party system. Three independent candidates also lost their seats. Neither Reform nor the Green Party secured any representation on the council.
Conservative Leader Vows to Deliver Promises
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Kensington and Chelsea Conservative Group, thanked council officers for their professionalism during the count and stated: "It's time to go home, time to go to bed, time to wake up for a new dawn and to deliver what we promised on the doorstep."
Labour Leader Re-elected
Labour Leader Kasim Ali successfully held his seat in Notting Dale, alongside fellow Labour Councillors Claire Simmons and Portia A Thaxter. Ali expressed delight at being re-elected for a third term, saying: "I am looking forward to serving my community in Notting Dale, North Kensington, and across Kensington and Chelsea."
Counting Process Extended
Final results for the borough were announced after 8am on Friday, following an overnight count. Some candidates had already left the Town Hall as the count had "no end in sight," according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
