The Conservative Party has regained control of Westminster Council following a closely contested local election on May 7, 2026. The final seat count saw the Tories secure 32 seats, while Labour won 22. No other parties or independent candidates gained representation on the council.
Knife-Edge Result
Westminster, historically a Conservative stronghold, had shifted to Labour control in 2022. This year's election was predicted to return the council to Tory leadership. Conservative Group Leader Paul Swaddle described the outcome as “fantastic,” expressing satisfaction that neither the Greens nor Reform UK made any gains despite significant campaigning efforts.
Swaddle announced plans to appoint a Cabinet Member for Enforcement and establish a legal fund to challenge the Mayor of London’s pedestrianisation plans for Oxford Street.
Labour Response
Labour, now the largest opposition group, did not provide comment following the loss. Prior to the election, Labour held 28 seats, Conservatives 24, and Reform two. Former council leader Adam Hug retained his seat in Westbourne.
Candidate and Turnout Details
Labour, Conservatives, Reform, and the Greens each fielded 54 candidates across 18 wards. The Liberal Democrats nominated 45 candidates, with one independent and one Workers Party candidate also running. Reform Councillor Alan Mendoza, who defected from the Conservatives in November 2025, lost his seat in Abbey Road Ward.
The average voter turnout reached 36%, up from 31.9% in 2022. A total of 46,962 ballot papers were verified, excluding those for Queen's Park Community Council.
