Greens Retain One Seat While Losing to Lib Dems in Lambeth By-Elections

The Green Party has successfully retained a seat in Clapham Park but has experienced a setback in Streatham St Leonard’s, where they lost to the Liberal Democrats in the recent by-elections held on 9th July. Michael Ball has emerged as the newly elected Green councillor for Clapham Park, securing 842 votes, which accounts for 44 per cent of the total. Close behind was Labour’s Louie Somerville-Sutherland, who garnered 799 votes, representing 42 per cent. The Liberal Democrats’ Ben Amos finished in third place with 108 votes (6 per cent), followed by Joshua Jack Forrester of the Conservatives and Martin Lester Read of Reform UK. Jehwo Susanna Kehinde from the Christian Peoples Alliance came in sixth, with Anya Krycek of the Socialist Party of Great Britain finishing last.

Cllr Ball, a lifelong resident of Lambeth, brings nearly three decades of community involvement to his new role, having served as Chair of the Lambeth Tenants Council, as well as holding positions in various housing forums and associations, along with being a local school governor. He has pledged to utilise his extensive experience to “hold developers and the council to account” and emphasised his commitment to listening to residents and advocating for communities, irrespective of party lines.

Commitment to Local Concerns

Expressing his gratitude, Cllr Ball stated, “I am deeply honoured to have been elected as councillor for Clapham Park, in what was a hard-fought campaign, and I would like to thank every one of the voters and volunteers who came out for us.” He committed to championing the rights of local residents over the next four years, particularly focusing on the need for decent social housing and ensuring that citizens have a voice in decisions impacting their lives.

“Residents have consistently expressed their frustration at being overlooked by Labour, their concerns about financial stability, and their anger regarding inequality and injustice,” he noted. “Regardless of how you voted, I will fight for you in the months and years to come.”

In contrast, the by-election in Streatham St Leonard’s saw a Liberal Democrat victory, with Alex Davies being elected as the new councillor. He achieved 1,161 votes, equating to 42 per cent, while Dario Goodwin of the Greens secured 972 votes (35 per cent). Labour’s Jade Ellen Albas followed with 421 votes (15 per cent), and the remaining candidates included Chris Cousins from the Conservatives, Mark McKee of Reform UK, and Yemi Awolola from the Christian Peoples Alliance.

A Legacy of Community Service

Cllr Davies, a resident of Streatham for over 40 years, has previously served as a councillor in the area. His past campaigns include efforts to preserve the cross-river Thameslink service serving Streatham and Tulse Hill, opposing the closure of Streatham Library, and advocating for improvements to paving and street trees along Streatham High Road. In his campaign leading up to 2026, Cllr Davies has promised to address issues related to anti-social behaviour (ASB) within Streatham Hill and the High Road.

Donna Harris, the former councillor and leader of the Lambeth Liberal Democrat Group, expressed her delight on social media, saying, “Absolutely delighted that my good friend @sw16alex has been elected as the new Councillor for Streatham St Leonard’s. Alex’s track record made him the clear choice; Streatham continues to grow as a Lib Dem stronghold because residents know Lib Dems deliver for residents!”

Shifts in Local Political Landscape

Following the outcomes of these by-elections, the composition of Lambeth Council now includes 28 Green councillors, 26 Labour councillors, and nine Liberal Democrat councillors. This shift reflects ongoing changes in the local political landscape and highlights the evolving priorities of the electorate. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local developments through various news channels and community newsletters.