On May 2, 2024, Londoners voted in the mayoral election, selecting from thirteen candidates. The counting began on the morning of May 3, with results expected by late evening the following day. This election introduced a new voting system, akin to first past the post, a shift from the previous supplementary voting method. Incumbent Mayor Sadiq Khan of the Labour Party ran with an agenda to address housing and homelessness, while Susan Hall of the Conservative Party presented a five-point plan for the city. Other candidates included Rob Blackie of the Liberal Democrats, focusing on crime and policing, Zoe Garbett of the Green Party advocating for a rent freeze, and Howard Cox of Reform UK, who proposed eliminating Ulez and low-traffic neighbourhoods. Notably, the whimsical candidate Count Binface also joined the race with unique pledges.

On the lighter side of campaigning, a humorous incident occurred involving Sadiq Khan and jam-filled doughnuts, which were briefly on sale in a Crouch End bakery before being put aside for Khan’s visit. This added a whimsical element to the election narrative.

Separately, elections took place across other parts of the UK, including significant local elections that saw Labour losing control of Oldham Council to independent candidates amid tensions over Gaza. This issue also played a role in Labour losses in other regions and saw former Labour MP George Galloway making gains in Rochdale. Meanwhile, speculation about an Autumn general election grew, with insights suggesting that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might call the election for mid-October, prior to a deadline set by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act.

In financial news, the FTSE 100 index surpassed 8200, marking a significant milestone amid a dynamically shifting market landscape influenced by various global and domestic factors.

As election results continue to unfold and political dynamics shift, the UK political and economic landscapes remain points of close observation and analysis.