Key Points
- Havering London Borough Council election is scheduled for Thursday, 7 May 2026, to elect all 55 councillors across 19 wards, with 28 seats needed for a majority.
- The contest is described as one of the most uncertain in the borough’s history due to deep political instability, frequent councillor defections, and shifting allegiances.
- Current council leader, Councillor Ray Morgon (HRA, Hacton Ward), is stepping down after 24 years in local politics, citing personal reasons including turning 65, family discussions, health concerns after a stroke, and a desire for retirement in Dorset.
- As reported by The Havering Daily, Councillor Ray Morgon stated: “After 24 years as a councillor in Havering, I have decided it is time I hang up whatever Councillors hang up and not put myself forward at this May’s local elections.”
- Key issues include overdevelopment, high-density flats impacting neighbourhood character, strained infrastructure (roads, schools, healthcare, amenities), and proposals to build on green belt land.
- Residents express widespread disillusionment, frustration, and a sense of being unheard by political leaders, with no clear leading party.
- Post-2022 election changes: Conservatives started with 23 seats, HRA 20, Labour 9; now HRA holds 25, Conservatives 14, Labour 8, others including Reform UK at 3 seats due to multiple defections.
- Notable defections include Sarah Edwards, Sue Ospreay, and Jackie McArdle (Conservatives to HRA in 2022), Robby Misir (Conservative to HRA in 2024), John Crowder, Philippa Crowder, Christine Smith (Conservatives to HRA in 2024), Paul McGeary (Labour to HRA), and recent shifts to Reform UK.
- Recent council events: Response to 2022 Wennington wildfire, climate emergency declaration, opposition to ULEZ expansion, Romford town centre masterplan approval, plans to sell car parks for housing, modular homes at Waterloo estate, library closures, £88m government bailout.
- Havering Green Party launching “Change for the Better” campaign, contesting every seat, led by Chair Mark Whiley, promising ward surgeries, public petitions, focus on quality of life and environment amid financial pressures.
- Housing targets risen to 1,875 homes annually under new London Plan, threatening green belt via “grey belt” concept.
- Election uses multi-member first-past-the-post in wards returning 2-3 councillors; all seats up for election every four years.
Havering (East London Times) February 24, 2026 – As Havering gears up for its local elections on 7 May 2026, the borough confronts an exceptionally unpredictable contest amid political flux and resident discontent. All 55 council seats across 19 wards are at stake, requiring 28 for control, in what Wikipedia describes as part of the wider 2026 UK local elections. Central to the drama is the departure of long-serving leader Councillor Ray Morgon, whose exit after 24 years amplifies uncertainty over the borough’s direction.
Why Is This Election So Unpredictable?
Councillors have repeatedly crossed the floor since the 2022 election, reshaping alliances and eroding voter trust. Originally, Conservatives held 23 seats, Havering Residents Association (HRA) 20, and Labour 9, leading to an HRA-Labour coalition under Ray Morgon. Defections followed: Sarah Edwards, Sue Ospreay, and Jackie McArdle from Conservatives to HRA post-Wennington wildfire in 2022; Robby Misir (Conservative to HRA, February 2024); John Crowder, Philippa Crowder, and Christine Smith (Conservatives to HRA, May 2024); Paul McGeary (Labour to HRA). The coalition ended in June 2024, with HRA forming a minority administration; Jackie McArdle rejoined Conservatives in July 2024; Keith Prince and two others defected to Reform UK by February 2026, leaving current seats as HRA 25, Conservatives 14, Labour 8, Harold Wood Hill Park RA 3, independents and Reform 3.
As reported by The Havering Daily, this volatility leaves voters unsure who represents them, fostering disillusionment. No party has emerged as a dominant force, with public frustration over decision-making palpable across communities.
Who Is Councillor Ray Morgon and Why Is He Stepping Down?
Councillor Ray Morgon, Hacton Ward representative and HRA member, has served Havering for 24 years, initially as a Conservative before switching to Hornchurch Residents Association. Elected council leader in May 2022 after forming an administration with Labour, the HRA later governed alone post-defections.
In an interview with The Havering Daily, Councillor Morgon explained: “I have been thinking about this over several months, and after discussing this further with my two children, both in their early 30’s, last Christmas, I feel I need to start a new chapter in my life. This year I will reach in my view a milestone year when I hopefully become 65 in September.” He added health concerns post-stroke and a wish for family time in Dorset:
“Anyone doing this job will know it isn’t easy, and you have to give up so much of your life to do it. I currently work the best part of 7 days a week… I certainly feel I want to be closer to family.”
Morgon praised his administration’s openness:
“From day one I was always clear that we would be an open, honest and transparent Administration… I believe all of these objectives have been achieved.”
He hopes for another HRA-led council.
What Are the Main Issues Driving Voter Concerns?
Overdevelopment dominates, with residents decrying high-density flats eroding neighbourhood character, local services, and quality of life. The new London Plan escalates housing targets from 1,285 to 1,875 homes yearly—nearly 19,000 over a decade—targeting “grey belt” green spaces. As per The Havering Daily, proposed green belt use threatens the borough’s identity, wildlife, and future, amid strained roads, schools, healthcare, and amenities.
Wikipedia notes council actions like Romford masterplan approval, car park sales for housing, and modular homes at Waterloo estate, fuelling tensions. Other events include the 2022 Wennington wildfire response, climate emergency declaration, ULEZ opposition, library closures, delayed food waste collections, and a £88 million government bailout to avert financial collapse. A judicial review forced recognition of Launders Lane landfill contamination, and a tribunal published a 2020 diversity report revealing normalised sexism and racism.
Residents feel unheard, with trust in governance low.
Which Parties Are Contesting and What Do They Offer?
The Havering Green Party launched its “Change for the Better” campaign, fielding candidates in every seat. Chair Mark Whiley stated to The Havering Daily:
“People are telling us that they’re ready to make a change from the Conservatives and Labour… Our credible and wide-ranging agenda is at its core about improving quality of life in Havering, social responsibility, and protecting the environment.”
Pledges include restoring public petitions and questions at meetings, ward surgeries, amid financial woes from government cuts.
HRA, currently largest with 25 seats, emphasises local control, as per Morgon’s hope for continuity. Conservatives (14 seats) and Labour (8) face defection losses; Reform UK has gained three recently. Harold Wood Hill Park RA holds three; independents include John Tyler and Philip Ruck. The election uses first-past-the-post in multi-member wards.
How Will the Election Work?
Polling occurs 7am-10pm on 7 May 2026 at stations, with postal/proxy options. Ward boundaries from 2022 apply: examples include Cranham (3 seats), Elm Park (3), Upminster (3). Electors vote for up to the ward’s seat number; top candidates win.
What Does This Mean for Havering’s Future?
The vote will shape responses to development, infrastructure, and environment. With residents demanding change, the next administration must rebuild trust. As The Havering Daily reports, Havering stands at a crossroads, where May’s outcome defines years ahead. Polling reflects frustration, but whether parties can deliver remains the key question.
