Who won the Croydon mayoral election?
BBCWhen was the election for mayor of Croydon, and who stood?
The election for mayor of Croydon was held on 7 May 2026.
The results were:
Jason Perry (Conservative): 35,871 votes (30.7%)
Rowenna Davis (Labour): 34,758 votes (29.7%)
Peter Underwood (Green): 19,404 votes (6.6%)
Ben Flook (Reform UK): 14,467 votes (12.4%)
Richard Howard (Liberal Democrat): 7,815 (6.7%)
Michael Pusey (Taking the Initiative Party): 2,597 votes (2.2%)
Jose Joseph (Independent): 1,568 votes (1.3%)
Ben Goldstone (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition): 461 votes (0.4%)
What does an elected mayor do?
All 32 of London's boroughs have a mayor, but in most cases their duties are ceremonial.
They wear a chain and municipal robes - the position is largely honorary and they have little power.
An elected mayor by contrast has significant powers in their borough.
The mayor is the political leader of the council and they appoint a cabinet made up of elected councillors who are given specific portfolios such as finance, community safety and children's services.
They control local services such as housing, including local regeneration schemes and affordable housing targets, planning and waste collection.
Mayors are elected on their own manifesto and may be a member of a political party or an independent candidate.
The votes for the mayor and the council are held at the same time.
There is a separate mayor of London, currently Sir Sadiq Khan, responsible for police, fire and rescue, Transport for London and strategic matters that affect all 32 London boroughs.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
