Labour is racing to fill empty slots on local election ballots, with internal messages revealing a growing scramble to recruit candidates before looming deadlines, according to a report in The Telegraph.
Party members across several areas have been urged to step forward, even without prior experience, as officials warn that some wards still lack anyone to represent Labour. Emails seen by the newspaper show local organisers appealing directly to members, stressing that time is running out and encouraging volunteers to come forward immediately.
In Sutton, south west London, multiple messages were sent within days asking members to stand. One note highlighted that in certain wards the priority was simply to ensure Labour appeared on the ballot, giving supporters the option to vote for the party. Members were told not to assume others would volunteer and were pressed to act quickly.
The process, they were assured, is straightforward, with no complex interviews and decisions made locally. A follow up appeal even asked for “paper candidates”, individuals willing to stand without expectation of winning, underlining the scale of the shortfall.
The urgent push comes as Labour braces for potentially heavy losses at the polls. Projections suggest the party could lose up to 2,000 councillors in May, according to Professor Stephen Fisher of the University of Oxford. Particular concern surrounds London, where Labour faces a rising challenge from the Greens, especially in urban areas and places with large student populations.
There are also reported difficulties meeting diversity targets. In Tower Hamlets, insiders say the party has struggled to find enough female candidates to meet requirements aimed at boosting representation. Labour’s use of all women shortlists, often in winnable seats, is designed to improve gender balance, but can make recruitment more difficult.
The issue is not new. Earlier this year, members in Jarrow and Gateshead were encouraged to put themselves forward in neighbouring South Tyneside, again with reassurances that experience was not needed. Reports at the time pointed to numerous vacancies across the area.
With nominations closing on April 8, the pressure is mounting.
The situation adds to a difficult period for Keir Starmer, following a disappointing by election result in Gorton and Denton where Labour trailed behind both the Greens and Reform. Critics within the party have warned that a poor showing in May could reignite questions over his leadership, with figures such as Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting seen as potential successors.
Labour has yet to comment publicly.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/04/04/labour-candidates-local-elections-bloodbath/
