Greens Lead Waltham Forest Poll Over Labour 2026

Key Points

• A YouGov poll commissioned by Sky News projects the Green Party to win the most seats in Waltham Forest Council in the local elections on 7 May 2026, potentially ending Labour’s 16-year control of the town hall.
• The poll forecasts further Green Party gains in Hackney, Lewisham, and Lambeth, with Reform UK projected to take control of three councils, including nearby Havering.
• Labour’s control of London councils is expected to drop from 21 to 15 according to the data.
• Nearly 300 candidates are contesting all 60 seats across 22 wards, with Labour and Conservatives fielding 60 each, Greens 53, Reform and Liberal Democrats over 40 each, and smaller parties like Trade Unionist Socialist Coalition and others adding 31 candidates.
• In 2022 elections, Labour won 47 of 60 seats, boosting its majority; Labour has held majority since 1965 except for a Conservative win in 1968.
• Green candidate Robyn Page for William Morris ward stated the poll reflects doorstep feedback on Labour’s failures.
• Waltham Forest Labour dismissed the poll as speculative, highlighting their achievements in climate, housing, crime reduction, and services.

Waltham Forest (East London Times) April 23, 2026 – A YouGov poll produced for Sky News has projected that the Green Party will secure the most seats in Waltham Forest Council in the upcoming local elections on 7 May, potentially displacing Labour after 16 years in control.

As reported by Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter for Sky News, the poll indicates that Zack Polanski’s Green Party could uproot Labour in this north-east London borough. This outcome would represent Labour’s worst performance since the 1970s.

The data, accessible via Sky News video coverage, also projects Green wins in Hackney, Lewisham, and Lambeth. Reform UK is forecast to gain control of three councils, including Havering nearby in east London.

What Does the YouGov Poll Predict for Waltham Forest Local Elections?

The poll places the Greens ahead in projections for Waltham Forest, where all 60 council seats across 22 wards are up for election. Nearly 300 candidates are standing. Labour and the Conservatives have each nominated a full slate of 60 candidates.

The Greens have fielded 53, while Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats have each put forward more than 40. An additional 31 candidates represent smaller groups, including the Trade Unionist Socialist Coalition, Independent Waltham Forest Socialists, and Chingford & Woodford Green Community Independents.

In the 2022 local elections, Waltham Forest Labour increased its majority by one seat, securing 47 out of 60. Labour has dominated elections in the borough since 1965, with the sole exception of a Conservative victory in 1968. The Conservatives have consistently formed the opposition, achieving strong results in the northern areas, where they now aim to counter Reform UK’s challenge.

How Have Green Party Candidates Responded to the Poll?

Robyn Page, the Green Party candidate for the William Morris ward, welcomed the findings. As reported by Sebastian Mann of Sky News, Page said:

“It reflected what campaigners had been hearing loud and clear on the doorstep”

and that voters are

“fed up with Labour’s inability to get the basics right or be fully transparent about what the council is doing.”

She added:

“It also shows that Greens can win, because residents know we’ll deliver a new kind of council that puts them at the heart of decision-making. Because after 16 years of Labour controlling Waltham Forest Council, we’re hearing that residents are ready for change.”

Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the Green Party and a prominent figure in the party’s London campaigns, leads the push in the capital. The poll’s projection aligns with Green efforts to capitalise on local dissatisfaction.

What Is Labour’s Response to the Poll Projections?

Waltham Forest Labour has rejected the poll’s significance. A spokesperson for the group stated, as covered by Sebastian Mann in Sky News:

“This poll is a speculative snapshot. It is residents who will decide who runs our council and they face an important choice on 7th May.”

The spokesperson highlighted Labour’s record:

“We are proud of our track record as Waltham Forest Labour. Our work on climate and active travel is London-leading, we are fourth in the UK for building council homes, working with police we have cut serious crime, and our children, adults and social housing services are highly rated.”

They concluded:

“Local elections are about who runs the council and only Labour will stand up for residents, protect vital services and put our values into action.”

Which Other London Boroughs Face Changes According to the Poll?

Beyond Waltham Forest, the YouGov data for Sky News forecasts a broader shift. The Greens are projected to take control in Hackney, Lewisham, and Lambeth.

Reform UK gains are anticipated in three councils, with Havering specifically named due to its proximity to Waltham Forest in east London. Labour’s hold on London councils is expected to fall from 21 to 15.

These projections come amid national trends influencing local races, though the poll focuses on seat counts and control.

Who Are the Key Candidates and Parties Involved?

Candidate numbers underscore the contest’s scale. Labour and Conservatives’ full 60 nominations position them to contest every seat.

The Greens’ 53 candidates cover most wards, targeting key areas like William Morris. Reform UK and Liberal Democrats, with over 40 each, challenge in multiple spots. Smaller parties fill the remaining field.

Historical context shows Conservatives holding firm in north Waltham Forest, now facing Reform pressure.

Why Is This Poll Significant for Waltham Forest Voters?

The projection marks a potential end to Labour’s long tenure, last broken in 1968. Voters will choose on 7 May across wards including William Morris and northern strongholds.

The poll, while speculative, draws from YouGov’s methodology for Sky News, capturing current sentiment.

Background of the Development

Waltham Forest has seen Labour dominance since 1965, barring the 1968 Conservative win. The 2022 elections solidified Labour’s 47-seat majority. Recent years featured council focus on climate initiatives, active travel, council housing (ranking fourth nationally), crime reduction via police partnerships, and high ratings for social services.

Green activism has grown, emphasising transparency and resident involvement. The 7 May 2026 elections contest all 60 seats amid 300 candidates from major and minor parties.

Prediction for Waltham Forest Residents

This development, if realised, could shift council priorities towards Green policies on transparency, decision-making, and basics like services, affecting Waltham Forest residents through potential changes in leadership, service delivery, housing focus, climate measures, and opposition dynamics. Labour retention would sustain current programmes in crime, housing, and social care. Outcomes depend on 7 May votes, influencing local governance for residents in areas like William Morris and northern wards.