Streatham St Leonard's By-Election Hustings What Local Residents Need to Know
- secretary40203
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
The upcoming Streatham St Leonard's council by-election is a key moment for local residents. It will decide who fills the vacant third councillor seat in the St Leonard's ward after a recent resignation. To help voters make informed decisions, Streatham Action is hosting a hustings event where candidates will answer questions directly from the community. This post explains everything you need to know about the event, how to participate, and why it matters for Streatham residents.
What is the Streatham St Leonard's By-Election?
A by-election happens when a seat on the local council becomes vacant between regular elections. In this case, a councillor who was elected on 7th May resigned, leaving the St Leonard's ward with only two councillors instead of three. The by-election will fill this third seat, giving residents a chance to choose their new representative.
The St Leonard's ward covers a diverse area of Streatham, with a mix of residential streets, local businesses, and community spaces. The councillor elected will have a direct impact on local services, planning decisions, and community projects.
Details of the Hustings Event
Streatham Action, a community group with a strong history of organising election hustings, is hosting a Question Time-style event where candidates will answer questions from local residents.
Date: Thursday 2nd July 2026
Time: 7pm
Venue: Streatham Library, 63 Streatham High Road, London SW16 1PN
Cost: Free and open to all local residents
The event will be chaired to ensure a fair and orderly discussion. Residents can submit questions in advance using an online form, and there may be time for additional questions from the floor.
Why Attend the Hustings?
Hustings give voters a unique chance to hear directly from the candidates. Instead of relying on leaflets or social media, you can listen to their views, ask about their priorities, and assess how well they understand local issues.
This event is especially important because:
It allows residents to compare candidates side by side.
Candidates must explain how they will address local concerns.
It encourages transparency and accountability.
It helps voters make an informed choice on election day.
How to Submit Your Questions
If you have specific questions you want the candidates to answer, you can submit them ahead of time. This helps the event organisers plan the discussion and ensures important topics get covered.
Submit your questions here: https://forms.gle/AawdQQjZgMmnkwKB7
Try to keep questions clear and focused on local issues such as housing, transport, community safety, or council services. The chair will select questions to cover a range of topics.
What to Expect on the Night
The hustings will start promptly at 7pm. After a brief introduction, each candidate will have the chance to make an opening statement. Then the chair will pose questions submitted by residents and moderate the discussion.
If time allows, residents attending can ask additional questions. The event will wrap up with closing remarks from the candidates.
About Streatham Action and Their Role
Streatham Action is part of the Lambeth Forums Network and has organised hustings for local and general elections for many years, including in 2022, 2024, and earlier in 2026. Their experience ensures the event will be well-run and focused on the issues that matter most to Streatham residents.
Why This By-Election Matters for Streatham
The new councillor will join two others representing St Leonard's ward on Lambeth Council. Together, they influence decisions on:
Local housing developments and planning applications
Public safety and community policing
Maintenance of parks and public spaces
Support for local schools and health services
Initiatives to improve transport and reduce congestion
Choosing the right councillor can affect how well these issues are addressed in the coming years.
Tips for Residents Attending the Hustings
Arrive early to get a good seat and settle in before the event starts.
Bring a notebook or device to jot down key points or follow-up questions.
Listen carefully to how candidates respond, not just what they say.
Think about which candidate’s priorities align best with your concerns.
Engage respectfully if you ask a question during the event.
What Happens After the Hustings?
After the hustings, residents will have a clearer picture of the candidates and their plans. The by-election itself will take place shortly after, with details on how and where to vote provided by Lambeth Council.
Make sure you are registered to vote and know your polling station. Voting in local elections is a powerful way to influence decisions that affect your daily life.
The Streatham St Leonard's by-election hustings offer a valuable opportunity for residents to engage with democracy at a local level. By attending, submitting questions, and voting, you help shape the future of your community.
