“Challenging Times for Labour” – says Former Council Leader as Southwark Lib Dems Eye Major Gains

At Southwark Council’s Annual Meeting on Saturday 17 May, the political leadership of the council and opposition was formally confirmed – setting the scene for a high-stakes final year before the borough’s full local elections in May 2026.

With no changes in leadership on either side, the Southwark Liberal Democrats are gearing up to make significant gains – building on seven consecutive sets of local election wins nationally. The party says that with growing public disillusionment in Labour’s performance nationally and locally, there is a real chance Southwark could be heading towards “no overall control” – and the Liberal Democrats are prepared and ready to take the helm.

Councillor Victor Chamberlain, who was reconfirmed as Leader of the Opposition, used his speech at the Annual Meeting to warn of deepening political division and disillusionment. In a pointed intervention, he condemned the Prime Minister’s recent rhetoric on migration, calling it “dangerous” for diverse communities like Southwark. He also called out Labour’s failure to deliver on housing, welfare cuts, safety, and the cost of living, saying residents “deserve better than local cheerleaders for Keir Starmer’s government.”

The outlook for Labour was summed up by former council leader Peter John, who said that this year’s local results reflect a mood among progressive voters that Labour has “not improved the economy or public services” and many may “try someone - anyone - else who offers a positive populist alternative.” 

Southwark Labour, meanwhile, continues to face internal division. The Labour leader only narrowly survived a leadership challenge by five votes last year, faced a formal no-confidence vote in March (the first time in 18 years), and is once again rumoured to be under pressure.  

Commenting, Cllr Victor Chamberlain, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said:

“Next year could be a real moment of reckoning for Labour. Cities they’ve taken for granted for decades are going to the polls – now with a Labour government in power.

The message from voters is clear: they’re tired of being let down on housing, on cost of living, and on public safety. In Southwark, they’re tired of being ignored by a complacent Labour council.

And while our Prime Minister uses dangerous, divisive language about migration - in one of the most diverse boroughs in Britain - Labour politicians either stay silent or fall in line.

The Liberal Democrats are listening, we’re working hard, and we’re ready to serve. The choice is clear - more of the same, or a fresh start with a Liberal Democrat council that puts communities first.”