London Mayor Election When Is The Next One

Last week, my mate Dave—yes, that Dave, the one who still uses a Blackberry—texted me in a panic. “Who’s running for mayor?” he wrote. “And when do I actually have to care?” I laughed, but honestly? He’s not alone. London’s mayoral election feels like that distant relative who shows up unannounced: you know they’re coming, but you’re never quite ready for the conversation.

So, let’s cut through the fog. The next London Mayor election is scheduled for Thursday, 2 May 2024. Mark it on your calendar—or set a reminder on that Blackberry, Dave. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and trust me, if you’re queuing at 9:59 p.m., they’ll still let you vote. No excuses.

Why Does This One Actually Matter?

Look, I know election fatigue is real. We’ve had more votes in the last five years than a reality TV elimination show. But this one’s different—the London Mayor controls your tube fares, your housing policies, and the air you breathe. Well, maybe not literally the air, but the Clean Air Zone? That’s his (or her) handiwork. So if you’ve ever complained about the ULEZ expansion while sipping a flat white in Shoreditch... this is your moment to shape the next four years.

And here’s the twist: the winner will serve a four-year term, not the usual three. That’s right—due to a law change, the next mayor gets a solid stretch until 2028. So if the candidate you pick ends up being a disaster, you’re stuck with them through the next Olympics. No pressure.

Who’s in the Ring? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Sadiq vs. Susan)

At the time of writing, the big names are Sadiq Khan (Labour, the incumbent) and Susan Hall (Conservative). But wait—there are also Lib Dems, Greens, and a bunch of independents who promise “radical change” and probably a unicorn sanctuary in Zone 3. Don’t roll your eyes—in 2021, nearly 200,000 Londoners voted for candidates who didn’t win. That’s a lot of wasted paper, but hey, democracy thrives on idealism.

Here’s the kicker: London uses a “supplementary vote” system. You pick a first and second choice. If no one hits 50% in round one, the top two go to a final round, and your second vote suddenly matters. So if you’re thinking, “I’ll vote for the clown party as a joke,” remember: that second choice could be the difference between Khan and a Conservative mayor who wants to bring back the Routemaster buses. Choose wisely, London.

How to Actually Vote (Without Panicking)

First, you need to be registered by 16 April 2024. Yes, three weeks before the election. Go to gov.uk/register-to-vote—it takes five minutes. Do it now, while you’re pretending to work. Second, bring photo ID. That’s new since 2023, and if you turn up with just your Oyster card and a dream, you’ll be turned away. Accepted ID includes a passport, driving licence, or a free Voter Authority Certificate. Oh, and if you’re voting by post, apply by 17 April. Seriously, post is slow—unless you’re still using homing pigeons.

One thing people forget: you can vote in person, by post, or by proxy. Proxy means someone votes for you—perfect if you’re holidaying in Margate on election day. But pick a proxy you trust, not your ex who once “forgot” to pay the council tax. You know who you are.

The Elephant in the Room: Will It Actually Change Anything?

Short answer: Yes, and no. The mayor controls transport, policing (sort of—it’s complicated), housing, and environment. But they don’t control Brexit, interest rates, or whether your neighbour finally mows their lawn. So if you’re voting purely because you’re mad about the price of avocado toast, that’s not the mayor’s fault. But the mayor does decide if Crossrail 2 gets built—or if your bus route gets cut because of “budgetary constraints.”

And here’s the ironic part: Londoners love to moan about their mayor, but only 42% of us voted in 2021. That means the winner was chosen by less than half the city. So if you’re the type who complains on Twitter about “the state of London,” but can’t be bothered to queue at a polling station for 10 minutes... well, you’re part of the problem, mate.

Final, Honest Advice (From a Fellow Tired Londoner)

Don’t vote based on a single issue. Look at the full picture: housing, transport, air quality, nightlife. And ignore the campaign posters that scream “Crime is out of control!”—they all say that. Read the manifestos on the London Elects website. Yes, they’re boring, but so is missing your train because the new mayor privatised the Tube.

And Dave? If you’re reading this—yes, the Blackberry is a vote of protest. But actually voting? That’s the real protest. The next London Mayor election is on 2 May 2024. Don’t let it pass you by while you’re busy complaining about the weather. Your future commute thanks you in advance.