Mayor Perry outlines stability plans for Croydon’s divided council
Jason Perry has been returned to office for a second term as Croydon’s Executive Mayor, following the local elections held on May 7, 2026. Despite Jason Perry’s second-term victory, the borough enters a complex political phase as the wider council remains under no overall control. Perry, a lifelong resident of the borough, has confirmed his immediate focus will remain on restoring financial stability and renewing local pride through cleaner and safer streets.
Political landscape shifts toward a diverse Town Hall
The 2026 election saw a voter turnout of 41.02% across the borough, with some wards reporting significantly higher engagement. The resulting council is one of the most politically diverse in Croydon’s history. While the Mayoralty remains with the Conservatives, the 70 available council seats have been distributed across six different groups, necessitating a collaborative approach to governance.
| Political Party | Seats Held |
|---|---|
| Labour | 30 |
| Conservatives | 29 |
| Green Party | 7 |
| Liberal Democrats | 2 |
| Reform UK | 2 |
| Independent | 1 |
This final council seat distribution mirrors the previous four-year term where no single party held a majority. Mayor Perry noted that the previous administration successfully navigated this balance to stabilize the borough’s finances, suggesting that constructive cross-party work will be essential to progress resident priorities in the coming weeks.
Safety data shows crime reduction through facial recognition
Public safety remains a cornerstone of the new administration’s agenda. Recent data released by the Metropolitan Police Croydon following a six-month Live Facial Recognition (LFR) pilot indicates a measurable impact on local crime rates. During the trial period, overall crime in the monitored areas fell by 10.5%.
The technology led to 173 arrests, averaging one every 35 minutes of operation. High-profile successes included the apprehension of individuals wanted for sexual offences and the arrest of a 36-year-old woman who had been evading authorities for more than 20 years following an assault charge. Notably, offences involving violence against women and girls saw the sharpest decline, dropping by 21% during the pilot phase.
Economic strategy targets town centre regeneration
To address the borough’s long-term financial health, the Mayor is preparing to showcase Croydon’s potential at the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) next week. The council has secured over £1.2 billion in public and private investment over the last four years, covering housing, commercial growth, and town centre improvements.
A new Investment Prospectus has been released to coincide with these efforts. This document identifies specific town centre sites and economic sectors primed for development. The strategy aims to attract further inward investment to revitalize the high street and fulfill the borough’s potential as a major London commercial hub.
Cultural festivities return to North End this weekend
While long-term planning continues at the Town Hall, immediate community activity focuses on the “Surprised!” culture festival taking place this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 6pm, North End will host a series of free events celebrating Asian arts and creativity.
The program includes Balinese and Sri Lankan masked dancers, Chinese fan dancing, and a unique Flamenco-Bharatanatyam fusion performance. Residents can also participate in arts and crafts workshops, view large-scale puppetry, and sample food from across the continent. These events are part of the broader Culture Croydon initiative designed to drive footfall back into the town centre and foster community cohesion following the election period.
Source: Croydon Council
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