Labour has once again dominated the local elections in Hammersmith and Fulham, despite disappointing performances elsewhere in the country.
The party maintained control of the council, winning 38 seats – slightly down from the 40 it obtained in 2022.
While polls had suggested that the Greens and Liberal Democrats would make gains in the borough, it was the Conservatives who advanced instead, taking two seats from Labour in Sands End ward after a dramatic recount and bringing their total to 12 seats
Labour Council Leader, Stephen Cowan, who retained his seat in Grove ward, said he felt relieved.
He said: “I feel I’ve got my team over the line, they’re an amazing bunch of candidates and they really care about our residents.
“We offered a message of hope, and it’s not just offering blind hope but showing what we’ve done in the past.”
Cowan said tackling the cost of living, boosting employment among young people and improving social care were among Labour’s top priorities in the borough.
He added: “We will do big things again, and we promise to serve everyone in Hammersmith & Fulham, no matter who they voted for.”
Though the Greens may not have won any seats outright, the party saw a significant increase in vote share in some areas.
In Coningham ward, the three Green candidates placed third, fourth and fifth behind the two winning Labour councillors.
Fatima Zahra Yusuf, 22, who came fourth with 825 votes, said: “I’m feeling really optimistic.
“This area has been historically Labour and so the fact I got over 800 votes shows that people want change and want something different.
“Post-election, it’s now up to us to keep momentum going and make sure that we advocate for the people we spoke to.”
As Reform, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens continue to make gains nationally at Labour’s expense, the party will be keen to highlight the success in Hammersmith & Fulham as proof that they are able to show strength through turbulent times.
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