Time to have your say on how our city is run

LOCAL elections may not anoint prime ministers or precipitate constitutional change, but they represent the bread and butter of British politics. And tomorrow’s poll is an important opportunity for Londoners to have their voices heard on the issues that matter to them.

Some will no doubt relish the chance to punish the Tories for partygate or the rising cost of living. Londoners are suffering not only inflation and skyrocketing energy bills, but also soaring rents and public transport costs.

Meanwhile, others will be focused on classic local elections issues such as bins, planning and community schemes. Such is the beauty and chaos of local elections.

The polls suggest Labour is on course to win big in the capital. This is partly a reflection of mid-term blues any government would be facing. London has also been trending Labour for decades, with the Conservatives only capturing City Hall under a certain Boris Johnson. But the Conservatives are suffering from unforced errors, an economy where wages are falling behind prices and interest rates rises are starting to bite. Londoners will no doubt look for local candidates who celebrate our city, its diversity and vibrancy.The capital — the beating heart and economic engine of the country — must not be levelled down.

Sir Keir Starmer should not take the polls for granted. While he has clearlytransformed Labourfrom the shambles under Jeremy Corbyn into a credible opposition, the party still has some way to go if it is to seal the deal with the electorate and to convince enough people that it is an alternative government in waiting.

Starmer must also demonstrate his party is strong enough on core issues like crime. The capital suffered a record number of teen killings last year under Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has been in City Hall for six years now.

If Labour really want to woo London they need to show they’re listening on divisive local issues such as low-traffic neighbourhoods and have a convincing narrative of their own without relying on lazy mudslinging.

These elections will be critical in that regard, not helped by the fact that Sir Keir is yet to provide a totally satisfactory explanation for what happened regarding allegations of lockdown beers and curry. Both parties have been engaging in expectation management. The Tories have suggested they could lose up to 800 seats while Labour believe it will be far fewer. The proof will be in the pudding.

Much post-election analysis may hinge on small changes with seismic consequences. Labour taking the Conservative’s flagship Wandsworth council would be hugely symbolic, while the Tories holding onto Barnet would demonstrate that Labour still has a long way to go.

Above all else, Londoners must get out and vote. It is the chance to have your say on how your street, your area and ultimately city, is run.