"Change was needed": Mixed Reactions in City after Labour Wins London Sweep

The City of London has long been seen as the centerpiece of global finance and an area known for global trading empire. But can its centre become home for Labour constituents? At least not in nearly 100 years. But on Friday morning under grey clouds and heavy rainfall, Londoners were coming to terms with having Rachel Blake as part of Keir Starmer’s landslide victory — part of which almost saw outright destruction for Conservative Party presence across London. In London’s affluent south-western suburbs, Liberal Democrats secured four of their predecessor parties’ seats from Tories while Labour won eight including ones traditionally blue suburbs; that left only eight Conservatives hanging onto greater London seats. “Rishi Sunak is my hero!” exclaimed Andy, 60, director of a construction company as he headed towards his office in the City. He admitted his change in voting preferences was no shock: His wife’s “protest vote” helped bring about the shift away from Conservative to Labour candidates in Eltham and Chislehurst where they reside. “Many have disassociated themselves with spiritual beliefs due to media coverage,” he noted, but their core beliefs remained the same. “London continues to largely monopolise the UK economy, an imbalance which remains significant despite Boris Johnson’s pledges for levelling out disparate regions’ economies.” But even though London and its environs remain one of the wealthiest parts of UK, Conservative support in London has suffered significantly. “Generally delighted,” was Sarah, an accountant in her 40s carrying an umbrella as she expressed her opinion of this election outcome. Once she lived in Greenwich, but now commutes into London from Woking – just outside Greater London’s boundaries and where the Conservative seat recently switched over to Liberal Democrat control – Labour also managed to attract relatively wealthy supporters by promising stability for business communities and appealing to business-owners through stability messages. “Rachel Reeves seems wise,” she noted, noting the difficulties presented by today’s unstable economy and political landscape in general. In London specifically, however, almost everything for Lib Dems went smoothly while Labour suffered some setbacks. At issue was the Conservatives’ inability to win Chingford and Woodford Green from former leader Iain Duncan Smith due to a split vote after they changed candidates. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also ran as an independent in Islington North after being expelled by Starmer. And Wes Streeting, expected to become health minister, only narrowly retained his seat after facing off against an independent candidate who heavily criticised Labour’s stance against Gaza war. Furthermore, Green party candidates did not gain any seats locally despite winning four nationwide. However, in several constituencies across the south-east it came second with increased vote shares and Sophie, 39 years old working in finance at an IT multinational, was amazed at what turned out to be a record vote share for Greens – she even described their historic victory as being amazing! Sophie described their victory as ‘amazing’! Photograph by Anselm Ebulue/The GuardianShe didn’t trust either Labour or Conservative politics: one was for elites while with regards to the latter she couldn’t see where its money would come from. Rob Ford, professor of politics at University of Manchester. reported that in 1931 the last non-Conservative City councilor was elected. Today’s constituency, City of London and Westminster, also includes Mayfair and Belgravia – two areas renowned for being homes to some of London and Westminster’s wealthiest citizens. Greg Hands was also defeated in nearby Chelsea and Fulham. To stay informed during this election campaign, sign up now for Election Edition by Archie Bland; daily briefing delivered directly to your inbox every evening at 5pm (BST). Notice of Privacy Policies and Joke ContentAvailability varies; newsletters may include information regarding charities, online advertisements or content funded by external parties; for more details please see our Privacy Policies. Google ReCaptcha helps protect our website, with their Privacy Policies and Terms of Service in effect. Hugh Bedford was quoted in The Telegraph questioning whether Labour would struggle to retain wealthier areas if it decided to increase personal taxes. Keith Bedford has worked for four decades at various City businesses in and around London – currently as receptionist of the London Chamber of Commerce. At 79, Keith has endured all. He wondered whether the party may struggle to retain wealthy areas if it raises personal taxes such as inheritance or capital gains taxes. Andy, the construction company director responded as follows: “I consider myself to be an optimist who believes we must generate wealth.” “People like myself will become increasingly vulnerable over the course of five years before Labour’s hold on the new gains is truly put under strain. One City banker who declined to give his name or vote revealed he wasn’t naturally inclined toward Labour but felt industry was lacking positive energy, adding: “We just needed change”. “I typically support Tory candidates, but their current leaders lack credibility now. A key reason was Liz Truss’ 45-day premiership when her tax cutting “mini-budget” caused financial markets to collaps and the Bank of England stepped in to protect financial markets – leading her to eventually losing her seat in South West Norfolk (she eventually lost it again after). That incident “ruined financial credibility of Tories”, said one banker.