London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a stark warning that the Labour Party risks being "stonked" across the capital in the upcoming May local elections, attributing the danger directly to the damaging "omnishambles" surrounding Peter Mandelson's appointment. In a candid interview, Khan expressed deep frustration that the Westminster scandal is dominating doorstep conversations, overshadowing Labour's local achievements and making campaigning exceptionally difficult.
A Dire Warning for Starmer and Labour
Sir Sadiq Khan admitted that Labour is facing one of its toughest electoral challenges in over forty years, with the Mandelson crisis creating a defensive posture that hampers voter engagement. He revealed that rather than promoting the positive differences a Labour council, mayor, and government could make, campaigners are forced to address the imperfections and controversies emanating from Westminster. This shift in focus, Khan fears, could lead progressive voters to feel alienated and decide to punish the party at the ballot box.
Polling Predicts Historic Low for Labour in London
New polling data underscores the severity of the situation. A detailed MRP poll conducted by YouGov for Sky News and Politico, surveying all 32 London boroughs, indicates Labour is on course to secure the highest vote share in just 15 councils. This represents a significant decline of six councils compared to their 2022 performance. The last time Labour won fewer than 15 London councils was in 1982, marking a potential 44-year low if the projections hold true.
The political landscape in London appears to be fragmenting, with the Green Party expected to achieve the highest vote share in four councils, including traditional Labour strongholds like Lewisham and Lambeth. Simultaneously, the Reform Party is projected to lead in three councils. Notably, neither the Greens nor Reform have ever previously topped the poll in any London council, highlighting a substantial shift in voter allegiances.
Internal Fears of a 'Bloodbath' and Strategic Concerns
Internal sources within the Labour Party have expressed grave concerns, with expectations of a "bloodbath" in areas such as Islington. Conversely, Green Party sources are optimistic about capturing Hackney. Mayor Khan also voiced apprehension about Labour's electoral strategy, particularly the focus on chasing Reform voters. He described this as an "understandable obsession" but warned it might inadvertently signal to progressive voters that Labour is no longer their natural home, potentially accelerating the party's decline in the capital.
Khan's Stance on Starmer's Leadership
Despite the severe criticisms and the looming electoral threat, Sadiq Khan firmly rejected calls for Sir Keir Starmer to resign over the Mandelson scandal. He pointed to Starmer's handling of significant international crises, such as the decision regarding involvement in the Iran conflict, as evidence of his capability and leadership on the global stage. Khan emphasized that while the domestic scandal is damaging, it should not overshadow the Prime Minister's broader record and difficult decisions in foreign policy.
The London mayor concluded that the combination of the Mandelson "omnishambles," a resurgent Green Party, and the rise of Reform has created a perfect storm, making the 2026 local elections some of the most challenging in living memory for Labour in London. The party now faces an uphill battle to convince voters to look beyond the Westminster turmoil and focus on local governance as polling day approaches.
