Key Points
- Lambeth borough, stretching from the Thames through Kennington, Vauxhall, Clapham, and Brixton, serves as a key battleground for the Green Party led by Zack Polanski against Labour’s hold.
- In the 2022 elections, Labour secured 58 seats, Greens gained 2, Liberal Democrats 3, and Conservatives 0.
- Greens doubled their presence to 4 councillors: via a May 2025 by-election win in Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction by Paul Valentine, and Martin Abrams’ switch after Labour suspension over a Gaza ceasefire vote.
- Current council composition shows Labour with around 54 seats, Greens 4 (Paul Valentine, Nicole Griffiths, Martin Abrams, Scott Ainslie), Liberal Democrats 4, and one Independent.
- Zack Polanski, Green Party leader since September 2025, targets Lambeth among Hackney, Islington, and Southwark for gains in the May 7, 2026 elections.
- Polling projections indicate Greens could win 38 of 63 seats, potentially taking control from Labour with a 92% probability.
Lambeth (South London News) April 23, 2026 – Residents of Lambeth, a Labour stronghold stretching south from the Thames into Kennington, Vauxhall, Clapham, and Brixton, face a pivotal test in the upcoming local elections on May 7, 2026, as the Green Party under leader Zack Polanski challenges the incumbent party’s dominance.
- Key Points
- Why is Lambeth a Key Battleground for Greens?
- What Happened in Recent By-Elections?
- How Did Martin Abrams Join the Greens?
- Who Are the Current Green Councillors in Lambeth?
- What is Zack Polanski’s Role in the Green Surge?
- What Do Current Polls Predict for 2026?
- Who Controls Lambeth Council Currently?
- Background of the Development
- Prediction: Impact on Lambeth Voters
Why is Lambeth a Key Battleground for Greens?
Walking south from the banks of the Thames into Kennington, Vauxhall, and Brixton positions Lambeth voters at the centre of what could become a Green surge in London, pitting Zack Polanski’s ambitions against Labour’s established control.
The borough knows developments the rest of the country may not yet grasp, with its diverse wards serving as a litmus test for broader shifts in the capital’s councils. As reported in The Guardian, Lambeth lines up alongside Hackney, Islington, and Southwark as prime targets for the Greens.
In the 2022 elections, Labour claimed 58 of 63 seats with 51.6% of the vote, while Greens took just 2 seats on 23%. Liberal Democrats secured 3 seats. This positioned Labour firmly in control, but subsequent events have eroded that margin.
What Happened in Recent By-Elections?
The Greens marked a milestone in a May 2025 by-election in Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction, triggered by Labour’s Jim Dickson stepping down after becoming MP for Dartford. Actor Paul Valentine won for the Greens by 326 votes over Labour’s Stephen Clark, with 32% turnout and the two parties sharing 87% of votes; this was the Greens’ first by-election victory in Lambeth since 2008 for Labour’s last loss. Lambeth Greens stated:
“I’m delighted to be able to welcome Paul to the group of Green Party councillors.”
A June 2024 by-election in Streatham Common and Vale saw Labour’s Dominic William Armstrong win with 2796 votes, ahead of Green Duncan Eastoe on 1354, at 50.35% turnout.
How Did Martin Abrams Join the Greens?
Councillor Martin Abrams resigned from Labour after an indefinite suspension for voting for a Green ceasefire motion on Gaza at the January 2024 full council meeting. As reported by Labour Hub, Abrams, a Jewish pro-Palestinian activist and Momentum spokesperson, was seen as the “ringleader” of a mini-rebellion involving four Labour councillors suspended: Abrams, Deepak Sardiwal, Sonia Winifred (who voted for), and Sarina da Silva (who abstained). Abrams stated:
“On Monday night I was suspended indefinitely from Lambeth Labour Group for breaking the whip after I voted for a motion that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza at January’s Lambeth Full Council Meeting. I will continue to serve as Councillor for Streatham St Leonard’s ward and continue to work tirelessly for every single member and resident of our vibrant and diverse community of Streatham.”
Abrams later joined the Greens in Streatham St Leonard’s ward, alongside Nicole Griffiths and Scott Ainslie. Labour refused a petition and deputations on the ceasefire, with 20 of 58 Labour councillors absent. LabourList noted the suspensions followed the January vote.
Who Are the Current Green Councillors in Lambeth?
Lambeth now has four Green councillors, doubling from 2022. They include Paul Valentine (Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction), Nicole Griffiths, Martin Abrams, and Scott Ainslie (all Streatham St Leonard’s). This brings opposition to six, with Liberal Democrats holding four: Ben Curtis, Matthew Bryant, Donna Harris, and others. One Independent, Irfan Mohammed (Clapham Park), remains.
What is Zack Polanski’s Role in the Green Surge?
Zack Polanski, born David Paulden, leads the Green Party of England and Wales since September 2025, after serving as Deputy Leader. Elected to the London Assembly in 2021, he has overseen gains like Hannah Spencer’s 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election win, boosting membership over 220,000. Polanski launched the 2026 local campaign on April 9 in Deptford, targeting Lambeth, Hackney, Islington, Southwark, and a Hackney mayoralty.
He frames it as a battle against “failing Labour councils,” prioritising housing, rent controls, social housing expansion, developer taxes, and wealth redistribution.
The Times reported Polanski eyes North London parliamentary seats but focuses locals on Lambeth. A Guardian MRP model from Bombe forecasts Labour losing Lambeth to Greens.
What Do Current Polls Predict for 2026?
PollCheck projects Greens winning 38 seats (26-45 range), Labour 18 (13-31, -36 change), Lib Dems 7 (+3), for Green control at 92% probability; all 63 seats up. BBC notes Labour likely largest but risks losing control, with Lib Dem challenges at Oval and Green captures possible; mentions Abrams as Independent (pre-Green join) and a Labour defection to Lib Dems. Professor Tony Travers of LSE stated:
“while Labour holds a strong position, there are potential challenges from the Liberal Democrats in certain areas, particularly at Oval. The Greens may also capture seats from Labour.”
Votes.now forecasts Greens 13 of 25 wards.
Who Controls Lambeth Council Currently?
Labour holds majority with about 54 of 63 seats as of early 2026. Wards like Brixton Acre Lane (David Bridson, Sarbaz Barznji, Maria Kay, all Labour) exemplify heartlands. Full list on opencouncildata shows Labour dominance, with Greens in Streatham St Leonard’s and Herne Hill. Council meetings continue, e.g., January 21, 2026 agenda.
Background of the Development
Lambeth London Borough Council elections occur every four years; 2022 used new boundaries, yielding Labour’s 58 seats. The Gaza vote in January 2024 highlighted internal Labour tensions, leading to suspensions and Abrams’ exit.
The 2025 Herne Hill by-election reflected growing Green activism against Labour’s machine. Polanski’s leadership from 2025 amplified national momentum, with by-election successes elsewhere. Projections stem from MRP polling amid housing crises and left-wing shifts. Lambeth’s demographics—diverse, urban, progressive—fuel the contest.
Prediction: Impact on Lambeth Voters
This development positions Lambeth voters, including residents in Kennington, Vauxhall, Clapham, Brixton, and Streatham, at a crossroads where Green gains could shift council priorities towards rent controls, social housing expansion, and developer reforms, potentially altering service delivery on housing and public funds. Labour retention might sustain existing policies, while a Green majority as projected could introduce wealth taxes for services, affecting local taxes, planning, and opposition dynamics. Voters face choices influencing infrastructure, community issues, and representation in these heartlands.
