The local elections are fast approaching and voters in Bromley will soon be going out to vote.
But who can you vote for, what’s at stake and what’s going on in the area ahead of 7 May?
With Reform anticipated to challenge the Tories in the Bromley local elections, here is everything you need to know…
Where is Bromley?
Bromley, London’s largest borough, is located on the south eastern edge of Greater London.
The borough consists largely of Metropolitan Green Belt alongside suburban towns and rural villages.
What happened at the last election?
The previous election in 2022 saw the Conservatives maintain majority control of the council’s 58 seats, all of which will be contested on May 7.
The results were as follows:
Conservatives: 36 (-14)
Labour: 12 (+4)
Lib Dems: 5 (+5)
Chislehurst Matters: 3 (+3)
Independent: 2 (no change)
Who are the ones to watch?
A YouGov poll released this week predicts Reform UK to become the largest party on the council, despite it being run almost exclusively by the Conservatives in its 61-year history.
In July 2025, Reform won its first-ever London council seat in the Bromley Common and Holwood by-election, and two Tory councillors have since defected to the party.
Now, polling from YouGov and PollCheck projects a seismic shift in the council’s composition.
Pollcheck predicts Reform to win an additional 18 seats (up to 21) and the Tories to lose a further 14 (down to 19). This would mean no party would have overall control of the council.
This is hugely significant as the Conservatives have controlled the council in all but four years since its formation in 1965.
The polls anticipate losses for Labour, but suggest the Green Party may gain its first seats on Bromley Council.
A full list of candidates can be found on the Bromley Council website.
What are the local issues?
The key issues leading up to the local elections in Bromley include Green Belt protection and transport.
Over 11,000 residents have signed a petition opposing plans to build 2,000 homes on Green Belt land near Bromley Football Club amid concerns that rising housing targets and Labour’s ‘grey belt’ policy threaten the area’s green spaces.
Ahead of the elections, each party is campaigning heavily on this issue.
The Tories have pledged not to introduce Low Traffic Neighbourhoods or blanket 20mph zones, while Reform would introduce free parking in town centres.
Labour says it would increase the amount of affordable housing and deliver 300 new council homes by 2028.
During a visit to Bromley earlier this month, Reform leader Nigel Farage opened the door to a future referendum on Bromley leaving the Greater London Authority.
Speaking in a local pub, he said: “Sitting in here now with all these blokes in the pub, does this feel like London? Not to me it doesn’t.”
Beckenham and Page Labour MP Liam Conlon has launched a campaign opposing any potential split, citing a potential loss of funding for facilities, free school meals for primary school pupils and access to the Older Persons Freedom Pass.
Reform have since denied planning to leave the capital.
Interesting facts about Bromley
Bromley has a population of 330,000 and the lowest population density of any London borough.
There was a 37.2% turnout at the last council election.
Featured image: Peter Trimming
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