On 7 May 2026, every seat on Kingston Council is being contested. After the 2022 election, the Liberal Democrats held 43 of 48 seats — one of the most lopsided councils in London. The Conservatives were reduced to just 3 seats. Effective opposition essentially collapsed.
Why this matters
A council with no meaningful opposition is a council with no scrutiny. Budgets pass unanimously. Controversial decisions go unchallenged. When Cllr Kamala Kugan raised concerns (however clumsily), the Standards Committee sanctioned her twice and recommended removing her from all committees. Whether you agree with her conduct or not, the signal sent to other councillors is clear: do not rock the boat.
What has eight years of one-party control delivered?
On the positive side: nearly 400 new council homes, investment in green spaces, and a generally competent administration. On the negative side: a widening budget gap, below-average recycling rates, controversial enforcement schemes generating hundreds of thousands in fines, and children's services rated "requires improvement" by Ofsted.
What to look for in candidates
Ask candidates specific questions: How would you vote on the council tax increase? What would you cut instead? How would you improve children's services? Do you support the garden waste charge? Council Watch will track responses.
Practical information
Register to vote by 14 April 2026. You need photo ID at the polling station — passport, driving licence, Blue Badge, or a free Voter Authority Certificate from the council. Find your ward and current councillors on our Wards page.
The accountability gap
Before you vote, check the Council Watch accountability dashboard. See which councillors actually respond to residents and which ones ignore them. A councillor who will not answer a resident's message before an election is unlikely to start after one.
Share this post
Want to have your say on this issue?
Contact your local councillor through Council Watch. Your message becomes a public thread.
Message your councillor →