Three weeks after local elections in Southwark, the borough continues to operate without a fully formed council as the Liberal Democrats weigh their coalition options. With no clear decision yet on whether to partner with Labour or the Greens, the borough’s governance remains in a state of uncertainty.

Labour holds 29 seats and has led the council for the past 16 years, positioning itself as the stable and reliable choice focused on practical community services. This approach resonates with some members of the Liberal Democrats, particularly those emphasizing traditional community activism. Labour’s sustained administration of local services, such as waste collection, is a key part of their appeal.

The Greens, holding 22 seats, have offered the Liberal Democrats a full coalition agreement. However, the Greens’ organizational style—eschewing party whips and operating without strict party discipline—has raised concerns about the manageability of such an alliance. The Green group is led by a former Labour member who identifies with the Corbynite wing, reflecting a faction within the local political landscape that values autonomy over centralized control. Despite this, their leader has expressed frustration with the challenges of coordinating a group that operates without formal discipline.

The Liberal Democrats themselves hold 12 seats and find themselves in the unique position of kingmakers, with their decision poised to shape the council’s future direction. Their internal divisions appear to straddle the spectrum between those aligned with established community activism and others sympathetic to the Greens’ progressive stances, including support for transgender rights and international issues such as Gaza.

Amid this political limbo, residents are feeling the impact of delayed governance. One tangible consequence is the closure of a local swimming pool following the collapse of a balcony section, a matter that requires prompt council intervention but remains unresolved due to the ongoing stalemate.

As the borough awaits resolution, questions remain about how soon an effective administration can be established to address pressing local issues and restore full council operations.