Who won the Tower Hamlets mayoral election?

The election for mayor of Tower Hamlets was held on 7 May 2026.

The results were:

Lutfur Rahman (Aspire): 35,679 votes (38.8%)

Sirajul Islam (Labour): 19,454 votes (21.1%)

Hirra Khan Adeogun (Green): 19,223 votes (20.9%)

John Bullard (Reform UK): 7,153 votes (7.8%)

Dominic Nolan (Conservative): 3,818 votes (4.1%)

Zami Ali (Tower Hamlets Independents): 3,156 (3.4%)

Mohammed Hannan (Liberal Democrat): 2,421 votes (2.6%)

Hugo Pierre (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition): 638 (0.7%)

Terence McGrenera (Independent): 524 (0.6%)

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.

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