When Is The Next London Mayor Election

So, you’re wondering about the next London Mayor election. Maybe you’ve got a burning policy question. Or maybe you’re just tired of hearing about ULEZ and want to know when you can finally vote on it. Either way, let’s chat.

The Short Answer (Because We’re All Busy)

The next election is Thursday, 1 May 2028. Yes, you read that right—May 1st. It’s not a typo. Mark it in your calendar now, because you’ll forget. We all forget.

Why so far away? Sadiq Khan won again in 2024, so we get a full four-year term. That’s the rule. No drama, no early do-overs. Just a long, slow march toward the next ballot box.

Think of it as a countdown. Three years and change. Plenty of time for candidates to announce, then un-announce, then re-announce with a new hair color or a surprising pledge about pigeons.

Wait, I Thought The Term Was Shorter?

Nope. City Hall runs on a four-year cycle ever since the 2000 elections. It’s not like Parliament, which can get messy with snap elections. London likes consistency. Or, at least, we like consistency because changing it would require an act of Parliament, and nobody has time for that.

So, 2024’s winner gets the keys until 2028. That includes whoever’s in charge of the Tube, the buses, and the mysterious pothole epidemic. Yes, that’s their problem, too.

If you’re already bored, skip to the next section. I won’t be offended.

The Big Picture: What Happens Next?

Closer to 2028, parties will pick their candidates. Expect a frenzy of manifestos, press conferences in the rain, and at least one candidate promising to ban something absurd (like inefficient kettles or sad-looking pigeons).

London Mayor Candidates 2025 | London Mayor Next Election – DYKOT

You’ll also hear a lot about housing. Always housing. And TfL fares. And the cost of a pint in Zone 1. These are the sacred topics of London politics. Don’t ask why.

The real drama? Will Sadiq Khan run for a fourth term? That’s never been done in London. If he does, history will be made—or at least, a really long article will be written about it. I’ll be reading it with a coffee while you’re scrolling Twitter.

When Can I Actually Vote?

Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm on 1 May 2028. If you live in any of London’s 32 boroughs (plus the City of London), you’re eligible. Yes, even your cat—if your cat has a polling card. (It doesn’t. Don’t try.)

You need to be registered by mid-April 2028. That’s like, a whole month before. Don’t procrastinate. You will, but don’t. Set a reminder. Use three reminders. Text a friend. Write it on your hand.

Also: if you’re 18 on election day, you can vote. If you turn 18 the next day, sorry, you have to wait until 2032. That’s the law. Blame the ancient Romans or something.

But What If I Want To Move To Metro Mayor?

Hold your horses. The London Mayor is a distinct thing from the Metro Mayor jobs in Greater Manchester or the West Midlands. London’s got its own vibe. We don’t merge. We’re special. Or at least, we think we are.

London Mayoral Election 2024: Sadiq Khan wins historic third term as

The election uses the supplementary vote system. You rank your first and second choice. No, it’s not confusing. Yes, you’ll still mess it up. Just put your favourite first and your second-favourite second. Easy. Unless you hate both, then it’s a coin flip.

If no candidate gets 50% in round one, the top two go head-to-head using the second-choice votes. It’s like a reality show finale, but with less glitter and more pothole promises.

Will The Date Change?

Technically, yes. If a mayor resigns or dies, a by-election happens within 35 to 45 days. That’s rare. The last one was in 2016 after Boris Johnson left. He went to run the country, or something. (We don’t talk about that.)

But for normal people? The next scheduled election is 1 May 2028. Stick to that. Unless aliens invade. Then all bets are off.

So, breathe. Pour yourself another coffee. The next battle for London’s soul is a few years away. Use that time wisely: plan your vote, groom your favourite candidate, or just memorise the date so you don’t ask me again in 2027.

You’re welcome. See you at the ballot box.