Labour is expected to face a significant drop in support from British Muslims in the upcoming local elections, amid continuing anger over Gaza and wider dissatisfaction with the party leadership.
The governing party is already struggling in national polling with both Reform UK and the Green Party waiting in the wings. But polls and local campaigning suggest Labour’s traditional support from British Muslims has weakened considerably.
Ahead of the 7 May local elections, commentators suggest many Muslim voters may back independent or Green candidates or vote tactically for other parties to prevent Conservative or Reform gains.
The Muslim Vote, a grassroots organisation seeking to mobilise Muslim voters, has endorsed mainly independent and Green candidates in contests across the country
“The upcoming local elections are a chance to demand better,” it said: “From crumbling services to underinvestment in our communities, the Labour, Conservative uni party has failed us. That’s why across the country The Muslim Vote is backing strong independent groups and candidates.”
Backing local independent
While some Muslim voters may lean towards the Greens nationally, local dynamics appear to favour independents with strong community links.
In the London borough of Redbridge, traditionally considered a Labour stronghold, the party is facing a challenge from the Redbridge Independents, a local group backed by Jeremy Corbyn’s new political movement.
Labour MP Wes Streeting accused the group of promoting “sectarian politics” and argued local elections should focus on council issues rather than international affairs.
But the group’s campaign material and website focus heavily on local issues, including council services, housing and community representation, alongside Gaza-related concerns.
The elections also come amid growing support for a “Pledge for Palestine” initiative launched by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
More than 1,300 candidates standing in the local elections have signed the pledge, committing to support Palestinian rights and back measures such as divesting council pension funds from companies linked to alleged violations of international law.
Signatories include large numbers of Green, independent and Labour candidates, alongside smaller numbers from the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.
