Lewisham Elects New Mayor: 8 Candidates Vie

0:00On April 16th, Lewisham folks head to the polls on May 7th for two big votes picking new local counselors and choosing the next council mayor. It's one of just five London burrows with a directly elected mayor alongside spots like Croydon and Newham. This mayor gig means real power steering the council's direction, pitching the yearly budget and running the cabinet of elected counselors. Most other burrows stick with the leader picked internally by the ruling party. We've seen three labor mayors hold the post since 2002, Steve Bullock for 16 years, Damian Egan until 2024, and Brenda. Dakers who just made history as the first black woman elected to the role. She grabbed 51.5% in a bi-election after Egan bounced to chase an NPC in Bristol. Now, Dakers is stepping aside, nominated to the House of Lords and titled Baroness Dakers of Lewisham come January 20th, 2026. Eight candidates are in the mix from Labor, Greens, Conservatives, Reform UK, Lib Dems and Independence.

1:02Register to vote by April 20th, snag a postal ballot by the 21st, or set up a proxy by April 28th. Eyes on Lewisham as this race shapes the burrows path ahead.