Here is our look at everything you need to know ahead of the council elections in Merton on Thurdsay 7 May…
Where is the Borough of Merton?
Merton is in south west London bordered by Croydon, Sutton, Richmond, and Wandsworth.
What happened in the last election?
The Labour Party secured the largest share of seats, winning 31 with 42% of the vote, giving it overall control of the council.
The Liberal Democrats placed second with 17 seats and 25% of the vote.
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party won seven seats despite receiving a slightly higher vote share of 26%, indicating their support was less evenly distributed across wards.
Voter turnout stood at 40%.
What are the local issues?
Merton’s high streets are affected by vacant shops and issues with public spaces being maintained, while regeneration projects, including in Morden, have been delayed for several years.
Businesses are also facing increased pressure from rising costs, including higher National Insurance contributions.
Residents have raised concerns about violent crime and the quality of rental housing.
There are also ongoing issues related to HGV traffic, waste burning, and fly-tipping.
Extensive roadworks and potholes continue to affect infrastructure in the area.
What are the candidates saying?
Anthony Fairclough, the Liberal Democrat council leader and Labour leader Ross Garrod are competing for control of the south-west London borough, while the Conservatives acknowledge a tougher outlook.
Fairclough said: “We are fighting, we’re doing everything we can to achieve [control].
“Ultimately, it’s up to the residents as to whether they want that or not, and I hope that they do.”
Garrod said: “It’s an election that’s being fought on local issues, who empties your bins, who looks after the elderly, who looks after the children, and residents really recognise our track record of delivering that as a Labour-run council.”
Conservative leader Nick McLean said he does not expect to lead the council after 7 May, but aims for his party to remain influential.
Predictions
Tony Travers, of the London School of Economics, said Merton is a borough where the Liberal Democrats secured a parliamentary seat in the 2024 General Election, specifically in Wimbledon.
He added that the party now views the area as its main opportunity to expand further into south-west London.
Based on the available evidence, he said it is likely the Liberal Democrats will win.
Key facts about Merton
Merton has a population of approximately 218,539, according to 2024 estimates.
Around 60% of residents are from white ethnic groups, nearly 19% are from Asian or Asian British backgrounds, and about 10% are from Black or Black British communities.
Just over 10% identify as being from mixed or multiple, or other ethnic groups.
Merton is home to the Wimbledon Championships, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. It has extensive green areas, including Wimbledon Common and Mitcham Common.
Two notable MPs for the borough are Siobhain McDonagh of the Labour Party and Liberal Democrats’ Paul Kohler.
McDonagh has served as MP for Mitcham and Morden since 1997, making her one of the longest-serving MPs in the area.
Kohler has been the MP for Wimbledon since his election in the 2024 General Election, representing a significant gain for his party in south west London.
Featured image: Martin Deutsch via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence 4.0
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