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2mo ago

Greens Put Housing at Center of London Push as Labour Alleges 42,000 Homes Blocked

The fight over housing policy could decide who gains ground in London’s May elections.

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Caption: DURHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Anna Turley, Chair of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Redcar, addresses delegates during the Labour Party North Regional Conference at Ramside Hall on February 28, 2026 in Durham, England. The Labour Party North Regional Conference is the biggest event run by the Labour North. It is an opportunity for party members from across the Northern region to come together, hear speakers, debate, discuss, have their say on policy, and brush up on their campaigning skills with training seminars and to hear from senior Labour front-benchers. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Photographer: Ian Forsyth Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged to build 6,000 affordable rental homes in London for key workers (Photo: Getty Images Europe)

Overview

  • Zack Polanski launched the Greens’ London local campaign on Thursday with pledges for rent controls, more social housing, and leasehold reform, even though rent caps would require powers that sit with central government.
  • Labour circulated party analysis saying Green councillors tried to stop at least 42,000 homes since 2018, including 13,000 affordable units, which the Greens dismissed as a “nonsense number” while defending votes against high‑price “luxury” schemes.
  • Housing Secretary Steve Reed said Labour has a £39bn plan to boost social and affordable building, and on Friday Labour chair Anna Turley argued rent controls would cut quality and supply while pointing to the new Renters’ Rights Act to challenge unfair hikes.
  • Private modelling from data firm Bombe forecasts the Greens could take control of up to nine London councils, including Hackney and Lewisham, though these are projections rather than confirmed outcomes.
  • London rents now swallow about 44% of average wages and polling shows strong support for caps, yet the mayor lacks rent‑control powers, so the campaign dispute could shape whether councils prioritise faster building or stricter affordability rules.