The Liberal Democrats have maintained their stronghold in Kingston upon Thames, securing 44 out of 48 seats on the council in the 2026 local elections. This marks the third consecutive term for the party, which has governed the borough since 2018. The result mirrors the 2022 election outcome, with the Lib Dems gaining two additional seats compared to their pre-election count due to a previous by-election loss and a defection.
Key Results and Ward Breakdown
The Kingston Independent Residents Group (KIRG) retained two seats in the Green Lanes and St James wards, with leader James Giles receiving 1,043 votes and Councillor Yvonne Tracey securing 1,001 votes. However, the party lost its third seat as Councillor Jamal Chohan was not re-elected. This reduces KIRG's representation to two seats, stripping them of official opposition status, which now passes to the Conservatives.
The Conservatives held both seats in Coombe Hill, with leader Rowena Bass and Councillor Ian George winning the highest votes in the ward. Labour and other parties failed to gain any seats, with the Lib Dems dominating across the borough.
Opposition Response
Councillor Giles of KIRG expressed disappointment but noted the party's borough-wide vote share exceeded Labour's. He stated: "Whilst obviously we would have liked more Independents to be elected across the borough, our borough-wide vote share was higher than the Labour party, and it is clear that more and more residents are looking for change here in Kingston." He pledged to provide robust opposition to the Lib Dem supermajority.
Prominent Figures Retain Seats
Lib Dem Council Leader Andreas Kirsch comfortably retained his seat in Chessington and South Malden Rushett with 1,641 votes. Councillor Emily Davey, wife of party leader Sir Ed Davey, held her Norbiton seat with 1,416 votes. Sir Ed, the MP for Kingston and Surbiton, represents the borough in Parliament.
Party Manifesto and Campaign
The Lib Dems campaigned on a platform of caring for families, communities, and the environment. Their manifesto pledged continued investment in local services and green initiatives. The party fielded a full slate of 48 candidates, as did the Conservatives and Labour. Reform UK stood 42 candidates, the Greens 41, KIRG 36, and the Official Monster Raving Loony Party three, alongside two independents.
The result reinforces Kingston's status as a Lib Dem stronghold and ensures the party will run the council for another four years, with a supermajority well above the 25 seats needed for control.
