Bexley 2026 Election Candidates: Full List by Ward

Key Points

• Full list of candidates for the Bexley London Borough Council election on 7 May 2026 across all 18 wards, with three seats up for election in each.
• Conservatives currently hold control of the 45-seat council and aim to maintain their majority amid challenges from other parties.
• Labour, Reform UK, Liberal Democrats, and Greens are fielding candidates and hoping to make gains in various wards.
• Notable candidates include incumbents like Brian Bishop (Conservative, Barnehurst), Sally Hinkley (Labour, Belvedere), and independents such as James Hunt (Blackfen & Lamorbey).
• The election comes after Conservatives dominated Bexley for two decades, with Reform UK targeting the borough as a key London priority.

Bexley (South London News) April 18, 2026 –The London Borough of Bexley gears up for its local council election on 7 May 2026, with a comprehensive list of candidates now published for all 18 wards, as detailed by MyLondon News. Conservatives aim to retain control of the council, while Labour, Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens seek to gain seats in this traditionally Tory stronghold.

Who Are the Bexley Local Election Candidates 2026 in Every Ward?

Residents in Bexley will vote for three councillors per ward in the election covering the full council, with 45 seats in total up for grabs, according to data from Open Council Data.

The candidates standing in wards such as Barnehurst include Brian Bishop and Howard Jackson, both from the Conservative and Unionist Party, with their terms ending in 2026.

In Belvedere ward, Labour Party candidates Sally Hinkley, Esther Amaning, and Jeremy Fosten are listed. Bexleyheath features Conservatives Sue Gower, Bola Carew, and Rags Sandhu.

Blackfen & Lamorbey has Conservatives Cafer Munur and Peter Craske, alongside Independent James Hunt.

Further wards include Longlands with Conservatives Lisa Moore and Andy Dourmoush; Northumberland Heath with Labour’s Wendy Perfect and Baljeet Gill; and Sidcup with Conservatives Cheryl Bacon and Richard Diment. MyLondon News provided the initial full list announcement, highlighting competition across the borough.

As reported by MyLondon News, the Conservatives aim to maintain control in Bexley while Labour, Reform, the Lib Dems and the Greens are all hoping to make gains.

What Strategies Are Conservatives Using to Hold Bexley Council?

The Conservative Party, which has held a significant lead in Bexley for the past two decades, focuses on continuity and essential services, as covered by BBC News. David Leaf, the Conservative candidate for Bexley Council, shared with BBC London,

“We’ve encountered severe cuts from the Labour government, which has reduced our funding, forcing us to increase council tax. However, our priority is to invest in crucial services for our residents, whether it’s aiding elderly individuals who rely on social care, safeguarding vulnerable children, or ensuring our streets remain clean.”

This approach underscores the party’s defence of its record amid financial pressures, with incumbents like Bola Carew and Rags Sandhu standing again in Bexleyheath.

Open Council Data confirms multiple Conservative incumbents across wards such as Barnehurst, Blackfen & Lamorbey, and Sidcup, facing voters this year.

How Is Reform UK Targeting Bexley as a Key Seat?

Reform UK positions Bexley as its top target in London, building on past success under its predecessor UKIP, which secured seats in the borough back in 2014, according to BBC News. Candidate Miles Jones responded to queries on potential changes, stating,

“Reform’s approach in local government focuses on economizing wherever possible, eliminating wasteful expenditures, and providing value for residents.”

He added that if elected to manage Bexley council, the party would need to conduct a thorough audit of the council’s finances before making any commitments.

This fiscal scrutiny message comes as Reform establishes a presence, despite having raised council tax in other areas like Kent. The party’s candidates are contesting wards alongside other challengers, as part of the broad field listed by MyLondon.

Which Wards Show Strongest Competition from Labour, Lib Dems, and Greens?

Labour fields candidates in wards like Belvedere (Sally Hinkley, Esther Amaning, Jeremy Fosten) and Northumberland Heath (Wendy Perfect, Baljeet Gill), aiming to challenge Conservative dominance. MyLondon News notes Labour’s hopes for gains, alongside the Liberal Democrats and Greens, who are also standing candidates across the borough.

The full slate reflects multi-party contests in every ward, with the 7 May polling day set by Bexley Council. Open Council Data lists end-of-term details for these seats, confirming the scope of the election.

What Is the Current Composition of the Bexley Council Before the Election?

Prior to the 2026 vote, Conservatives maintain control, with figures like Sue Gower in Bexleyheath and Cafer Munur in Blackfen & Lamorbey among those defending seats. Labour holds positions such as those in Belvedere, while an Independent like James Hunt represents Blackfen & Lamorbey.

BBC coverage highlights Bexley voters facing a choice between the familiar Conservatives and newer options like Reform UK. The election aligns with broader 2026 English local contests, as noted in guides from LGiU.

Background of the Bexley Council Election Development

The Bexley London Borough Council election on 7 May 2026 marks a full council vote, with all 45 seats contested across 18 wards, as standard for London boroughs every four years. Conservatives have dominated since the early 2000s, often securing over 30 seats, while Labour typically places second.

This cycle follows boundary changes and national shifts, including Reform UK’s rise post-2024 general election. Candidate lists were formalised in early April 2026, with MyLondon first publishing the full roster, drawing from council nominations. Incumbents’ terms end in 2026, per Open Council Data records updated through 2025. Voter registration and postal vote deadlines precede the poll, managed by Bexley Council. Wikipedia tracks the event as part of London’s 2026 locals.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Bexley Residents

This election outcome can determine council tax levels for Bexley residents, as parties like Conservatives cite funding cuts necessitating rises, while Reform UK pledges audits for savings. Service priorities may shift, with Conservatives emphasising social care and street cleaning, potentially maintaining current allocations if they retain control.

Gains by Labour, Lib Dems, or Greens could redirect funds to other areas like housing or environment, based on their platforms. Reform control might introduce spending reviews, affecting bin collections or elderly support for households. Residents face direct impacts on local taxes and services for the next four years, depending on which party or coalition forms the administration post-7 May. Turnout and ward results will shape these changes for the borough’s 250,000 population.