As Britain’s political landscape shifts rapidly, respected Newham Mawlana Tahir Talati reflects on the major success of Muslim-led independents, the rise of Reform, the collapse of Labour support, and why Muslims must now embrace long-term political engagement, leadership and strategic community influence.
As the dust settles on the local council elections of 2026, the overall national picture is, of course, one of major gains for Reform and serious losses for Labour. Reform gaining close to 1,500 councillors nationally is undoubtedly significant and will understandably concern many Muslim communities across the UK. At the same time, Labour has suffered heavily, losing around 1,500 councillors, multiple councils and significant control across local government.
The broader national story from a voting perspective is relatively clear. Large sections of the public have grown frustrated with both Labour and Conservative policies over many years.
At the same time, the national narrative in much of the media has shifted considerably towards the right, particularly around immigration and identity politics, and Reform has benefited heavily from that environment.
However, when we look slightly deeper into the numbers, the picture is more nuanced than many headlines will suggest over the coming days. Reform performed strongly in areas where it was expected to perform strongly, particularly in areas that had historically leaned towards Brexit and anti-establishment politics. Meanwhile, many areas that had previously voted against Brexit also voted against Reform. Reform topping the national equivalent vote share at around 27% is significant, but it does not necessarily mean that the country as a whole has overwhelmingly shifted completely to the right.
There is also the practical reality that governing and campaigning are two very different things. Over the next few years, residents across the country will begin judging Reform councillors not simply on slogans or media narratives, but on delivery, competence and local governance.
Nevertheless, Muslims do need to understand that there are real challenges ahead, both locally and nationally. The political climate in the UK is changing rapidly, and communities cannot afford to remain disengaged or politically passive.
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Lessons from the Newham results
At the same time, the local picture here in Newham is far more positive and, Alhamdulillah, extremely significant.
Just two years ago, Labour held 64 out of 66 council seats in Newham, with the Greens holding the remaining two seats. Today, the picture is completely different. Labour now holds 26 seats, Newham Independents hold 24 seats, and the Greens hold 16 seats. This is a remarkable political shift in a borough that has historically been dominated by Labour for decades.
Credit must be given to the campaign, organisation and hard work of the Newham Independents, as well as to the continued growth of the Greens both locally and nationally. The Greens have also made major gains elsewhere in London, including taking control in places such as Waltham Forest and Hackney.
The Newham results demonstrate something extremely important. Muslims in Newham are no longer politically captive voters. When communities organise, engage, mobilise and vote strategically, they can have genuine political influence.
However, this cannot simply become politics based on reaction or emotion. It cannot remain politics focused only on a single issue. Rather, this has to become the beginning of long-term strategic engagement and institution-building.
One of the most important areas moving forward will be engaging and empowering young people. Newham has one of the youngest populations in the country. Large numbers of our young people currently feel disconnected from politics and believe it has little relevance to their lives. That mindset has to change gradually over time through education, awareness and practical engagement.
We need to begin preparing a generation of credible young leaders and candidates who are not simply driven by slogans or one particular issue, but who genuinely understand the needs of their local wards and residents. Candidates who can speak for the interests of all residents of Newham, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Candidates who understand housing, education, youth services, crime, regeneration, social cohesion and local governance.
If any political movement in Newham wishes to build long-term influence and credibility, it must gain the confidence not only of Muslim voters, but also of wider communities across the borough. Long-term political infrastructure can only be built through competence, service, credibility and trust.
For that reason, over the coming years, the three major political forces in Newham — Labour, the Greens and the Newham Independents — must find ways of working constructively in the interests of local residents. The Newham Independents now find themselves in a position of considerable influence and responsibility. The focus now must be on mature governance, strategic planning and long-term delivery for the people of Newham.
This also means actively preparing future candidates and future leadership. Whether that takes place under the banner of the Newham Independents, or whether national politics changes significantly over time and creates new opportunities for engagement elsewhere, remains to be seen. Politics changes quickly. But what matters most is that our communities develop serious political understanding, long-term vision and credible leadership.
If this groundwork is built properly over the next five, ten or fifteen years, then conversations around broader political leadership in Newham, including the possibility of an independent mayoral future, become far more realistic. But such leadership can only succeed if it is rooted in competence, unity, service and a genuine concern for all communities within the borough.
So yes, there are challenges ahead. The rise of Reform is real and should not be dismissed. But Muslims should not become despondent or fearful. Rather, we must remain optimistic, continue working hard, continue engaging constructively, and continue seeking the assistance of Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
The turnaround in Newham itself shows what can happen when communities organise, participate and vote strategically. The lesson moving forward is clear: political engagement must not simply be reactive. It must become proactive, mature, strategic and long-term.
If we build that culture properly, then InshaAllah the future can be one not only of political influence, but also of genuine benefit and service for the people of Newham and beyond.
