Insight #1
14th April, 2026
Green Surge
The first of our five themes shaping the local elections in London on 7 May, is the Green surge.
Zack Polanski’s party is stepping into that space with increasing confidence, following its campaign launch last week with a strong emphasis on housing. Polanski criticised the government’s record on affordable and social housing, arguing that “houses should be built as homes and not for profit”, while calling for measures such as rent controls and greater public sector involvement in delivery. With a clear message on affordability and a growing base of younger, urban voters, the Greens are positioning themselves for what they believe could be “record-breaking results” in May.
“Houses should be built as homes and not for profit”
Recent data backs that up. In London, the Greens are now polling at around 23%, just two points behind Labour, and leading among 18–24-year-olds on roughly 36%. At a local level, that shift is already translating into results, with double-digit vote share gains in places like Greenwich and Lambeth.
Key Takeaways
23%
Polling in London, just 2 points behind Labour.
36%
Lead among 18–24 year olds.
Double-digit gains
already seen in Greenwich and Lambeth.
This is being driven in large part by the “AVOCADOs”, younger, urban, degree-educated renters who are increasingly moving away from Labour. In inner London boroughs such as Lewisham, Hackney, Islington and Southwark, where these voters are concentrated, the Greens have a strong opportunity to win seats.
Even where they fall short of control, the Greens could hold the balance of power in a number of boroughs, shaping decisions on planning and housing.