Photo: Images George Rex · CC BY-SA 2.0Labour holds a majority on the London Borough of Merton
Merton is run by the London Borough of Merton. Labour has a majority on the London Borough of Merton. Most of Merton is in Mitcham and Morden (MP Dame Siobhain McDonagh, Labour); 43% of residents are in Wimbledon (MP Mr Paul Kohler, Liberal Democrat).
£2,147
Band D, a year, the middle band every council sets its tax from.
Where it goes →How Merton’s politics has changed since 2021
A majority on the London Borough of Merton
Labour holds a majority on the London Borough of Merton: 32 of its 57 seats as elected (it held 31 before the May 2026 election). The Liberal Democrats hold 19, the Conservatives 4 and Merton Park Ward Independent Residents 2. Who’s in charge ↓
The 2026 vote
Across Merton’s wards, Labour took 31%, the Liberal Democrats took 27.8% and the Conservatives took 15.4% of votes in May 2026. In 2022, Labour had 41.9%. How Merton has voted ↓
Council tax
A Band D bill in Merton is £2,147 for 2026–27; the London Borough of Merton keeps 76% of it. The council area’s Band D has risen 55% in ten years, against England’s 56%. Council money ↓
Written from the data on this page: Democracy Club results since May 2021, the UK Parliament Members API and MHCLG council tax.
Who holds the seats
Seats by party as elected. A party needs 29 of Merton’s 57 seats to run the council alone.
- Labour32+1
- Liberal Democrat19+2
- Conservative4−3
- Merton Park Ward Independent Residents2no change
Change against the council before the 7 May 2026 election.
Seats are counted from election results: each ward’s most recent winners until its seats are filled. Councillors who have since changed party or resigned aren’t reflected, and which parties lead the council, and who is leader, comes from the council itself.
Results: Democracy Club (CC BY 4.0), elections since May 2021; seats per ward from its EveryElection.
The councils that run Merton
One council runs every main service here.
Every main council service: schools, social care, roads, bins, planning, housing and libraries.
Website ↗Transport for London, policing (through the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime), the London Fire Brigade and London-wide planning.
Mayor: Sadiq Khan (Labour), elected May 2024
Website ↗Who to ask
From GOV.UK’s “Understand how your council works”: here one council runs every main service.
All of Merton is unparished: there is no parish or town council, so the council runs local matters itself and no parish precept is added to the bill.
Councils from ONS lookups (wards and councils May 2026, parishes 2025), names and websites from GOV.UK’s local council finder; parish councils from MHCLG’s 2026–27 list of precepting parishes.
From the council to Westminster
Every elected tier that speaks for Merton, from the most recent elections.
- 1London Borough of Merton20 wards · 57 councillorsLabour 32 · Liberal Democrat 19 · Conservative 4 · Merton Park Ward Independent Residents 2 · all 57
- 2Mayor of LondonGreater London Authority · elected May 2024Sadiq Khan
- 3House of CommonsSplit between 2 constituencies
Party colours are neutral on purpose: they tell parties apart and aren’t the parties’ own. Tap an MP’s name for their contact page on parliament.uk.
57 councillors for 20 wards
Wards with at least 2% of the town’s residents, or half their own inside it. Each shows who won its most recent elections, newest first, until its seats are filled.
- Samantha MacArthurLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Anthony John FaircloughLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Simon McGrathLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Victoria Jane WilsonLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Chessie FlackLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Matthew James WillisLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Brenda Lorraine FraserLabour · May 2026
- Ross Benjamin GarrodLabour · May 2026
- Sonia Elaine PhillipsLabour · May 2026
- Linda Christine KirbyLabour · May 2026
- Billy HayesLabour · May 2026
- Devina Marylyn PaulLabour · May 2026
- Agatha Mary AkyigyinaLabour · May 2026
- Dan JohnstonLabour · May 2026
- Franca OfeimuLabour · May 2026
- Max Daniel AustinConservative · May 2026
- Jan ComerConservative · May 2026
- Will OrsonConservative · May 2026
- Joan Palmeta HenryLabour · May 2026
- Martin WheltonLabour · May 2026
- Ryan RodriguesLabour · May 2026
- Caroline Masue Cooper-MarbiahLabour · May 2026
- Stuart NeaversonLabour · May 2026
- Joanna SieradzinskaLabour · May 2026
- Michael Kevin ButcherLabour · May 2026
- Usaama KaweesaLabour · May 2026
- Gill ManlyLabour · May 2026
- Edith Joan MacAuleyLabour · May 2026
- Harry John PlattsLabour · May 2026
- Slawek SzczepanskiLabour · May 2026
- Sally Isabel KennyLabour · May 2026
- Dan HoganLabour · May 2026
- Daniel Lewis ShearerLabour · May 2026
- Andrew JudgeLabour · May 2026
- Nedra Nalda DanielLabour · May 2026
- Shuile Narmin SyedaLabour · May 2026
The other 8 wards
- Jil HallLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Tony ReissLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Nick ThomasLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Hina BokhariLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Robert PageLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Mariam HakimLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- John Matthew BraithwaiteLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Klaar DresselaersLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Barry John SmithLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Richard David PooleLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Asif AshrafLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Robert James MitchellLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Stephen AlambritisLabour · May 2026
- Val HoppichlerLabour · May 2026
- Peter Joseph McCabeLabour · May 2026
- Edward FoleyMerton Park Ward Independent Residents · May 2026
- Stephen MercerMerton Park Ward Independent Residents · May 2026
- Sarah Jane GolbyLiberal Democrat · May 2026
- Dan HoldenConservative · May 2026
- Eleanor StringerLabour · May 2026
- Sebastian BudnerLabour · May 2026
Show as a table
| Ward | Seats | Elected | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon Town & Dundonaldall in Merton · 12,968 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Samantha MacArthurAnthony John FaircloughSimon McGrath | May 2026 |
| Raynes Parkall in Merton · 12,299 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Victoria Jane WilsonChessie FlackMatthew James Willis | May 2026 |
| Longthorntonall in Merton · 11,899 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Brenda Lorraine FraserRoss Benjamin GarrodSonia Elaine Phillips | May 2026 |
| Graveneyall in Merton · 11,832 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Linda Christine KirbyBilly HayesDevina Marylyn Paul | May 2026 |
| Figge's Marshall in Merton · 11,809 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Agatha Mary AkyigyinaDan JohnstonFranca Ofeimu | May 2026 |
| Villageall in Merton · 11,800 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Max Daniel AustinJan ComerWill Orson | May 2026 |
| Pollards Hillall in Merton · 11,643 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Joan Palmeta HenryMartin WheltonRyan Rodrigues | May 2026 |
| Colliers Woodall in Merton · 11,563 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Caroline Masue Cooper-MarbiahStuart NeaversonJoanna Sieradzinska | May 2026 |
| Cricket Greenall in Merton · 11,473 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Michael Kevin ButcherUsaama KaweesaGill Manly | May 2026 |
| Lavender Fieldsall in Merton · 11,373 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Edith Joan MacAuleyHarry John PlattsSlawek Szczepanski | May 2026 |
| Lower Mordenall in Merton · 11,336 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Sally Isabel KennyDan HoganDaniel Lewis Shearer | May 2026 |
| St Helierall in Merton · 11,314 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Andrew JudgeNedra Nalda DanielShuile Narmin Syeda | May 2026 |
The other 8 wards
| Ward | Seats | Elected | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon Parkall in Merton · 11,066 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Jil HallTony ReissNick Thomas | May 2026 |
| West Barnesall in Merton · 10,611 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Hina BokhariRobert PageMariam Hakim | May 2026 |
| Abbeyall in Merton · 10,534 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | John Matthew BraithwaiteKlaar DresselaersBarry John Smith | May 2026 |
| Cannon Hillall in Merton · 9,790 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Richard David PooleAsif AshrafRobert James Mitchell | May 2026 |
| Ravensburyall in Merton · 9,474 residents3 seats · May 2026 | 3 | Stephen AlambritisVal HoppichlerPeter Joseph McCabe | May 2026 |
| Merton Parkall in Merton · 8,293 residents2 seats · May 2026 | 2 | Edward FoleyStephen Mercer | May 2026 |
| Hillsideall in Merton · 8,246 residents2 seats · May 2026 | 2 | Sarah Jane GolbyDan Holden | May 2026 |
| Wandleall in Merton · 5,608 residents2 seats · May 2026 | 2 | Eleanor StringerSebastian Budner | May 2026 |
Councillors can resign, change party or sit as independents between elections; a by-election winner replaces someone not named here. London Borough of Merton’s website lists who sits now.
Results from Democracy Club’s candidates database (CC BY 4.0; elections since May 2021) and ward seats from its EveryElection, matched to ONS wards (May 2026) and county divisions (May 2025).
Labour has led every council vote since 2022
Share of all votes cast for candidates in Merton’s wards at each scheduled council election since 2021. A gap is a year with no election here.
Seats won at each election
Show as a table
| Party | 2022 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 5.2% | 12.3% |
| Labour | 41.9% | 31% |
| Liberal Democrat | 24.8% | 27.8% |
| Conservative | 25.8% | 15.4% |
| Reform UK | 0% | 11.4% |
In 2026, Labour won 32, the Liberal Democrats won 19, the Conservatives won 4 and Merton Park Ward Independent Residents won 2 of the 57 seats up in Merton’s wards.
Results: Democracy Club (CC BY 4.0). Where a ward elects several councillors at once, each voter has that many votes; all of them count here.
Merton council election, May 2026
Results in the wards that make up Merton, as declared. Percentages are of votes cast for candidates in each ward; where a ward elects several councillors, each voter has that many votes.
20 wards voted. Every seat in the town’s wards was up.
No election is scheduled yet for Merton’s wards in Democracy Club’s list. Councils publish a notice of election about five weeks before polling day.
Who can I vote for? ↗13,113 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
11,921 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
8,383 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
Every ward’s result (17 more)
9,389 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
7,635 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
13,443 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
7,989 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
11,477 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
8,171 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
8,283 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
12,687 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
9,127 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
10,926 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
10,931 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
10,277 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
11,374 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
8,365 votes for candidates · 3 seats, so 3 votes each
6,294 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
5,937 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
5,352 votes for candidates · 2 seats, so 2 votes each
Candidates and results: Democracy Club (CC BY 4.0), from councils’ declared results; polling dates from Democracy Club’s EveryElection.
Merton is split between 2 constituencies
The constituencies’ MP and the 4 July 2024 general election, the whole constituency’s result.
Labour, MP since 1 May 1997
57% of Merton’s residents live in this constituency.
Turnout 59% (England 60%).
Majority 18,761 of 45,255 votes (41.5%): wider than in 97% of England’s 543 constituencies.
Liberal Democrat, MP since 4 July 2024
43% of Merton’s residents live in this constituency.
Turnout 72% (England 60%).
Majority 12,610 of 54,985 votes (22.9%): wider than in 73% of England’s 543 constituencies.
45,255 votes for candidates · majority 18,761
Labour, MP since 1 May 1997.
turnout in July 2024: 45,255 votes from 77,282 registered voters. England: 60%.
Majority 18,761 of 45,255 votes (41.5%): wider than in 97% of England’s 543 constituencies.
Wimbledon
54,985 votes for candidates · majority 12,610
Liberal Democrat, MP since 4 July 2024.
turnout in July 2024: 54,985 votes from 76,334 registered voters. England: 60%.
Majority 12,610 of 54,985 votes (22.9%): wider than in 73% of England’s 543 constituencies.
MPs and results: UK Parliament Members API (Open Parliament Licence v3.0); constituencies from ONS (2024 boundaries). Percentages are of valid votes; turnout is votes cast over the electorate.
Merton’s Band D council tax is £2,147 a year
Where a Band D bill goes, what it has cost over the years, and what the councils plan to spend per resident.
London Borough of Merton keeps £1,636.25 of a Band D bill (76%); the rest goes to the Greater London Authority.
Band D since 1993
Merton’s Band D bill has risen 55% in ten years, from £1,382.45 in 2016–17, against England’s average (56%). It was £498.38 in 1993–94.
Your bill by band
A Band D home in the unparished part of Merton, 2026–27, before discounts. The Valuation Office Agency’s band search gives any home’s band.
London boroughs
Average Band D in each council area, 2026–27, parish precepts included; the 11 nearest of 33. Bars start at £900.
Council budgets per resident, 2026–27
Show as a table, with London
| Merton | Merton’s councils | London | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult social care | £377 | £471 | £487 |
| Children’s social care | £189 | £301 | £290 |
| Roads and transport | £8 | £-5 | £41 |
| Housing (not council homes’ rents) | £78 | £160 | £61 |
| Bins, street cleaning, environment | £150 | £119 | £119 |
| Libraries, leisure, culture | £31 | £42 | £44 |
| Planning and development | £-10 | £24 | £26 |
| Public health | £64 | £98 | £78 |
| Running the council | £58 | £68 | £59 |
| Other | £48 | £41 | £19 |
| Total, schools apart | £991 | £1,345 | £1,234 |
Net budgeted service spending, MHCLG Revenue Account budget 2026–27, per resident (ONS mid-2025 estimates). Schools are left out: academies are paid for directly by government, so council school budgets depend on how many schools have converted. London and England: all their councils together. Police, fire and transport authorities aren’t included.
Band D: MHCLG Band D council tax 2026–27 (each authority’s own figure, excluding parish precepts) and Council Tax statistics for town and parish councils 2026–27; since 1993–94, MHCLG’s area averages including parishes.
Having a say in how Merton is run
It takes about five minutes online; the deadline is 12 working days before a poll.
gov.uk ↗Type a postcode to write to each of its councillors and its MP.
WriteToThem ↗GOV.UK sends the report to the council that looks after the road.
gov.uk ↗Council and committee meetings are open to the public, with agendas and minutes online.
merton.gov.uk ↗Anyone can comment while an application is open for consultation.
merton.gov.uk ↗The rules, nomination papers and guidance for council candidates.
Electoral Commission ↗Questions about how Merton is run
Does Merton have a town council?
No. Merton is unparished, so there is no town or parish council and no parish precept.
Who is the MP for Merton?
Merton is split between 2 constituencies: Mitcham and Morden (Dame Siobhain McDonagh, Labour) and Wimbledon (Mr Paul Kohler, Liberal Democrat). Parliament’s Find your MP service matches a postcode to its MP.
How many councillors does Merton have?
57 ward councillors represent Merton’s 20 wards.
When are the next elections in Merton?
No election is scheduled yet in Democracy Club’s list for Merton’s wards. The next UK general election must be held by August 2029.
How much is council tax in Merton?
Band D council tax in Merton is £2,147 for 2026–27. Your bill depends on your home’s band, from A (6/9 of Band D) to H (18/9).
Who controls the London Borough of Merton?
Labour has a majority: 32 of 57 seats as elected. The council’s website lists who leads it now.
Who won the 2026 council election in Merton?
In Merton’s wards on 7 May 2026, Labour 32 · Liberal Democrat 19 · Conservative 4 · Merton Park Ward Independent Residents 2 of the 57 seats up. Labour had the largest share of votes, 31%.
Sources: ONS ward, county division, parish, constituency lookups (Census 2021 output areas; Open Government Licence v3.0) · GOV.UK local council finder · Democracy Club candidates (CC BY 4.0) and EveryElection · UK Parliament Members API (Open Parliament Licence v3.0) · MHCLG Band D council tax, parish precepts and Revenue Account budgets 2026–27 (OGL v3.0) · ONS mid-2025 population estimates. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2026 (ONS boundaries). Northern Ireland: Source: NISRA; contains Land & Property Services data and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland information, © Crown copyright, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Scotland: contains National Records of Scotland data, Registers of Scotland data and SEPA data, © Crown copyright / © SEPA 2025, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.