Reform UK secures historic win in Havering Council election
Reform UK has taken control of Havering Council for the first time. The party’s victory marks a shift in the London borough, previously led by the Havering Residents’ Association. This success follows their strategy of targeting suburban areas on the capital’s outskirts. Voters in Havering went to the polls on Thursday 7 May, with results declared early the next morning. The borough was one of Reform UK’s key London targets and had backed Brexit in 2016.
The party expanded its presence through defections, including three former Conservative councillors and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell. Their campaign focused on restoring local pride, with some candidates proposing Havering leave London’s jurisdiction and rejoin Essex.
Before the election, the Havering Residents’ Association held 25 seats, while the Conservatives had 14 and Labour 8. The council had already approved a 4.99 per cent council tax rise for 2026/27 to fund services like adult social care. It also depends on £77m in emergency government support after a £32.5m loan in 2024 and an £88m borrowing need in 2025. Reform UK’s win in Havering is their first from focusing on London’s suburban fringes. The new administration will take over a council facing financial pressures and rising costs. The borough’s budget relies heavily on government funding to remain stable.
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