Labour regains West Thamesmead seat

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

Labour has reclaimed its hold of Greenwich’s West Thamesmead ward in a local by-election which saw a strong showing from the Lib Dems, but a low turnout overall.

Jahdia Spencer secured the seat for the Labour Group, receiving 464 votes in Thursday’s polling.

Lib Dem candidate Steve Day followed in second place with 336 ballots, while Reform UK’s Ruth Handyside trailed behind, receiving 92 votes.

Siama Gulnar Qadar of the Conservative Group secured 82 ballots and Green candidate Anji Melanie Petersen received 55 votes.

The turnout for the by-election was only 14.9 per cent, with 1,032 ballots cast.

Cllr Spencer has pledge to address environmental issues such as fly-tipping and potholes in the ward, as well as advocating for better housing and renters’ rights alongside campaigning for better transport links.

She said: “I am especially passionate about engaging with young people – not only to understand the challenges they face but also to empower them to participate more actively in politics and their communities.”

The by-election was called after Chris Lloyd resigned from the seat at the start of last month following his 10-year stint as a councillor.

Mr Lloyd said he had decided to step away from his position after moving to Wales to be closer to his family.

He represented the first elected Lib Dem councillor in Greenwich for 14 years after leaving the Labour Group in December 2023 following a complaint he made about homophobia to the group.

Pictured top: Jahdia Spencer is the newly elected Labour councillor for West Thamesmead (Picture: Jahdia Spencer)