Over 100 local authorities, the Mayor of London, combined authority mayors, and other key positions are up for election, marking a critical test of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s popularity and an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the general election.
In anticipation of the UK’s upcoming local and mayoral elections on May 2, 2024, over 100 local authorities across England, the Mayor of London, members of the London Assembly, nine combined authority mayors, and a mayor for Salford, as well as police and crime commissioners in England and Wales, are preparing for what is considered a significant political event. This series of elections, occurring just before the national vote later in the year, is seen as a test of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s popularity and a potential indicator of shifts in voter behavior following Labour’s success in the previous year’s local elections.
London’s mayoral race has notably heated, with incumbent Sadiq Khan, seeking a third term, facing criticism from Conservative candidate Susan Hall. Hall has labelled Khan’s promise to recruit 1,300 police officers as “desperate” and unachievable, advocating for borough-based policing and increased Metropolitan Police funding. In defense, Khan highlights the proposal’s aim at enhancing neighbourhood safety, conditioned on a Labour victory in both the mayoral and general elections. This contention underlines broader themes in the mayoral campaigns, focusing on crime rates, policing, and the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (Ulez).
The dialogue around these elections has grown increasingly contentious, with accusations of misinformation making headlines. A Conservative Party advert attacking Khan’s crime record was removed due to misleading content, spotlighting the party’s aggressive strategy against the Labour mayor. Despite the controversies, key dates for the electorate include the voter registration deadline on April 16, with results being announced subsequent to polling day.
As various regions prepare to cast their votes, areas such as Bristol, Dudley, and Rochdale are among those to watch due to their potential impact on future political dynamics and governance. With political parties and candidates drawing clear lines on pressing local and national issues, the 2024 local and mayoral elections promise to be closely followed and highly significant in setting the stage for the general election later in the year.
