Harlow District Council Elections 2026: List of candidates for each ward
Elections / Fri 10th Apr 2026 at 08:54am
HERE is the list of candidates for the Harlow District Council Elections to be held on May 7th, 2026.
We will be having a proper look at each ward and interview some of the candidates over the next month.
At the moment, there are 17 Conservatives, 15 Labour and 1 Reform.
The Conservatives, Labour, Reform and Greens are all fielding candidates in all eleven wards.
There are also a number of other candidates, who we will showcase over next four weeks.
Bush Fair
Church Langley North and Newhall
Church Langley South and Potter Street
gary roberts
2026-04-10 09:36:47
Please also note there is an Independent candidate in Church Langley South and Potter Street namely me: GARY ROBERTS. Why that wasn't in the article is disappointing.
Jake Shepherd
2026-04-10 10:02:35
Hi Gary, it was great speaking with you a few months ago - I'm really glad to read you've thrown your hat into the ring! Independents have an important place and giving more genuine choice to residents on the ballot can only be a good thing. Best of luck and I'm glad you decided to go for it in the end! Best wishes, Jake Shepherd Labour and Co-operative Party Candidate for Passmores Ward
Val
2026-04-10 10:45:16
It is interesting to note that two of the five Reform County Council candidates don't even live in Harlow and those standing for the District have little or no experience. Those not living in Harlow includes their local leader Scott Hegley. So voters are being asked for Harlow to be represented by people who don't even live here and have a local party leader who is not even eligible to stand for the District elections because he doesn't live here. Are they really that desperate that they can't find genuine local candidates or do they think they people will just vote blindly and without any scrutiny? Personally, I don't consider this to be a serious proposition and is in fact quite insulting. Reform in local government lack experience and their record in other councils such as Kent has been a disaster. Are we really willing to risk all the progress being made by Dan Swords and his team for a bunch of untried outsiders?
Gem
2026-04-10 11:13:50
Paul Jago has already given up? Well that was a waste of time.
gary roberts
2026-04-10 11:18:40
Dear Jake, Thank you for your kind comment on my nomination to stand this year. The people of Potter Street voted in 2024 for change. Two years on the same issues are as relevant today as they were then with no change, and no current proposition for change in Potter Street. I refer you to the interview I gave to Mr Casey then. I attach it now: https://www.yourharlow.com/2024/04/14/local-elections-24-an-independent-spirit-in-potter-street/ If the people want a councillor in Potter Street who would push all the issues in that video above then I hope they will vote for it and vote for me on May 7th. If not the doctors' surgery will remain a pipe dream as it has been since it closed in 2018. The former council neighbourhood office will not be restored since being closed over 20 years ago and remains empty. The local bus service will not return and having a police officer walk our local Potter Street streets will still remain empty.
Pete
2026-04-10 11:33:23
Gem, Paul Jago isn't up for re-election this year
Jonny
2026-04-10 12:51:55
Gary Roberts, the ward is Church Langley South & Potter Street. What are you offering Church Langley residents. You only ever mention Potter Street. Maybe instead of being an Independent you should stand for the Potter Street Liberation Front! What is the point of an expensive neighbourhood office when you have Post Office at Prentice Place for payments, etc and everything is done on line?
Grace
2026-04-10 13:26:16
Dan Swords and his team are the only credible candidates to improve Harlow.
Stephen
2026-04-10 13:36:35
Looks like the Reform bubble is bursting as Reform lost a by-election in Cliftonville in Kent yesterday having taken the Council last year and made a complete hash of it. Kent is showing clearly how inept Reform are to run local council, increasing taxes when they promised to cut them. Complete amateurs. Harlow beware!
Grace
2026-04-10 13:44:03
Some of the Reform candidates for County don't even live in Harlow! I thought all candidates had to be Harlow residents. How has this been allowed? I smell a rat. I will not vote for people who don't live here. It shouldn't be allowed.
Gary Roberts
2026-04-10 14:18:59
Jonny, I have lived in Potter Street for 44 years and therefore have a close relationship with the area. The ideal that I know about Church Langley is for the birds. But here's the thing: I do not claim anything else unlike all these others over the decades that make claims about areas they never visit until election time. I am now retired and have received many political leaflets over that 44 years claiming many things but 20 years on nothing in Potter Street has changed except the area has deteriorated in look and feel. My campaign as the video highlights is about restoring the community that the neighbourhood office would be at its heart. And remember this is a local election that needs local people like me to fight for it. And if I win that is what I will do. The people of Potter Street want change not weak falsehoods they have had over years to restore local services.
Pete
2026-04-10 15:07:00
Very sad, on a number of levels ,that Harlow Residents Alliance has been unable to field any candidates. Residents form an important part of local govt in areas like Epping Forest so I am sure we will see them again
Mike
2026-04-10 16:07:10
Labour have basically given up and Reform are inexperienced and focused on immigration which has nothing to do with the Council. The only ones with a plan and capability to execute are Dan Swords team. Voting for anyone else is a complete waste and could set the town back.
Phil
2026-04-10 17:19:04
To all those that have nothing positive to say about your own parties, it's very telling that you're completely entrenched in your views, by the way you can only say hateful things about another party, or their candidates, as your defence to carry on voting for the same old people. I would much rather have an inexperienced Reform councillor, than a robotic Labour or Conservative councillor, who will do exactly what all those before them have done. Why criticise Reform as being inexperienced? Is that reason enough to keep voting in the same tired parties? The same people that will tell you one thing and then do something completely different? Well done. I applaud your tired arguments, and your determination to keep things exactly the same, for fear of what may be instead.
Mark
2026-04-10 17:24:12
It may interest residents to know that 9 of the 11 Reform UK District Council Candidates live in the ward they are aiming to represent. The other two live in the ward next door. In my 30 years experience of Harlow Politics this is the best level of Local Candidates I can ever remember. Compare that to the so called "Local" Tories who are struggling to get 3 of 11! As for County - 2 of the Reform candidates live in their wards, one is next door and it's part of her District ward, and the other two live within the Parliamentary Constituency of Harlow and have long term ties to Harlow. Other candidates from other parties live outside Harlow, yet nobody has chosen to mention that so far. Anyone would think certain people are scared of a certain party! I wonder why?
Paul
2026-04-10 18:59:57
What are the specific plans for Harlow by the Reform party? They can't be that different as they voted for the Conservative budget without uttering a word, as did Labour. Labour and Reform offer nothing. Only Dan Swords and his team have a plan and the ability to execute it. Don't waste your vote on others.
Mr George
2026-04-10 22:13:20
Just out of interest I googled the name of the reform candidate in my area. There's absolutely no mention of them to do with politics, no ideas, how they can make the town better, nothing. Really would be a stab in the dark as to what you'd get.
Vote Local Tories - other votes will be wasted!
2026-04-10 22:18:46
Phil, no offence but you seem very naive. Reform have ruined councils they have controlled around the country. This election is about Harlow, and it is clear that everyone in Harlow has to vote for their Local Tory Candidate. They are the only party in Harlow that can deliver what we need. And that’s coming from me who wouldn’t vote nationally for the Tories anymore. PLEASE HARLOW VOTE TORIES AS THE OTHER PARTIES CANNOT WIN A MAJORITY!!!!
Fernanda
2026-04-11 06:49:22
Only one party is truly committed to improving and regenerating Harlow and only one party has the skills and ability to carry it out and that is the local conservatives led by the inspiring Dan Swords.
Laura
2026-04-11 08:10:26
Harlow is moving forward at pace with serious regeneration, new council housing, new businesses. It is on the map. This has only been possible because the local conservatives under Dan Swords have a majority. A vote for Labour or Reform could lead to a Council with no control and throw the entire plan back. There is too much at stake for our town after decades of neglect. We cannot risk it. Only the local Conservatives have a plan and they have shown that only they can carry it through. Too much is at stake. Let's give Dan Sword's team our support in May.
Julia
2026-04-11 08:26:40
I have seen Reform and local Conservatives election leaflets ( forget Labour, who have thrown the towel in). The Dan Sword's led Conservatives have detailed plans and a clear vision for Harlow. They are also showing this with their actions over the past few years. Reform on the other hand talk only about national issues and have nothing concrete to say about local issues. This election is ONLY ABOUT HARLOW. Yes, many of us want to stop the boats, but no Reform councillor will stop a single boat; they will however slow and block the regeneration of our town. This is about local issues only and it is obvious that Dan Swords team are the only option for Harlow.
Derek Clark
2026-04-11 08:44:38
Why are Reform filling up the areas with people who don't live in Harlow, waste of time anyway as all this voting won't change a thing other than give us a hung two party Harlow Council, then all the work that the Conservative council has done or started will just stop, Harlow has moved on over the last few years under the leadership of Dan Swords, and I would like to see this New Harlow continue to be improved, Reform cannot run Harlow as all the voting in the world won't change Harlow into a reform council, but what I don't want to see is a frozen council, far better to vote for the Conservative member and let the Conservatives under Dan Swords continue the good work around Harlow, for those who don't know, Essex County Councils Highways Department are responsible for the roads in Harlow, not the local Council, yes I see so many blame Harlow Council for the road works so I thought I would mention it. Don't waste your vote on Reform, they cannot run the council.
AB
2026-04-11 10:21:57
Given the demographics, Harlow is lokely to elect Reform candidates. As this will be a short-lived council, its ideal for people to see how incompetent and bigoted Reform are, so when it comes to longer term councils, voters may be wiser.
David Forman
2026-04-11 10:39:12
Nice to see Labour's Charles Cochrane come out of retirement to stand in Sumners and Kingsmoor. Charles was Bill Rammell's agent and I believe even for Stan Newens. Sad to see Mark Ingall stand down in Bush Fair, although Reform have provided the comedy in that ward with Dan Long. Also, nice to see Labour's Anita Schultschik back in action in Great Parndon. Good to see the Conservative Simon Carter back in the game. Most notable is Labour's deputy leader Lanie Shears jumping ship from Mark Hall to safe as houses Little Parndon and Town Centre. Do I detect a backroom deal with the Greens to allow Julie Taylor to win or did Labour lose their bottle?
Tracy Cranfield Reform Candidate
2026-04-11 13:09:38
Im tired of the assumptions being made about people others know nothing about. Yes, Harlow needs regeneration, but let’s be honest, the money isn’t always going where it should. Take the fire station exit roads now reduced to one lane. Poor planning, plain and simple. And while politicians talk endlessly about regeneration, they’re not talking about the people of Harlow or the real issues affecting everyday lives. I’ve lived in Church Langley for 16 years — not once has any political party knocked on my door. That says everything. People deserve better. People deserve to be heard.
David Forman
2026-04-11 13:30:20
Tracy Cranfield, you are mistaken about political parties not knocking on your door. First, you may have been out when they called. Secondly, I have seen Labour and the Conservatives canvassing in Church Langley. Thirdly, Chris Vince's selfie obsession provides plenty of evidence on Facebook that Labour knock on doors in Church Langley. Fourthly, I know that Conservatives Simon Carter, Andrew Johnson and the late Tony Hall regularly canvassed Church Langley, as do others. So Tracey, just more Reform Fake News from you.
Voteforme
2026-04-11 15:38:34
David, re Simon Carter, I don't think he wanted to stand 2 years ago so am surprised to see him standing now
David Forman
2026-04-11 22:38:32
Voteforme, Simon Carter is a true trouper for the Conservatives and someone who has served this town well.
Mr George
2026-04-11 23:18:01
Tracy Cranfield. It is very easy to criticise all the time. I had a quick look and nothing on google jumps out to me to see 'Tracy Cranfield Reform Candidate's' ideas for Harlow and the people here and how to make it less pants of a town than it is at the moment. What are you going to do on a local level, other than complain? What have you done for the town in the past? All very important to know for a voter.
Voteforme
2026-04-12 08:38:26
David, I fully agree re Simon's past record.
Mike
2026-04-12 09:27:40
Tracy Cranfield and Reform are so way out of the league when compared with Dan Swords team of local Conservatives. Best to stick with what works than risk a bunch of amateurs.
Tony S
2026-04-12 11:44:13
I can understand that they don't want to publish there addresses. but it says address in Harlow. so if they they do live in Harlow there post code should be published or have lived in Harlow so the voters know and decide accordingly. l would like to know the opion off all the candidates off mark hall if they agree or disagree with Essex Council plans to put red route in minchin road. because if Essex highways get there way. minchin road won't be the last red route in Harlow. and whot any other candidates feel about this issue 🤔😮💨😡
Tony S
2026-04-12 11:46:57
Sorry should have read do not live in Harlow 😮💨😉
Tony S
2026-04-12 11:59:48
Tracy Church Langley is that why you became a candidate. one way in one way out and now they want to put a bus way going down to old Harlow. yes bad design and trust Essex highways to make it worse 🤔 🤔🤔
Carolyn
2026-04-12 14:20:57
I received another leaflet today from Reform. It is in stark contrast to those of the Dan Swords Conservatives in that it has virtually nothing regarding a specific plan for Harlow and a main focus on national issues, which have nothing to do with the local elections. This is about Harlowxand who is best able to lead our town forward. Dan Swords wins hands down over Labour and Reform.
Tony S
2026-04-12 17:10:04
Derek Yes Essex highways is in charge off the roads you would have had to be sleeping under a bush not to know that. but that is part off Harlows problems. But it doesn't mean they cannot influence there dision makeing 😉🤔
Yvonne
2026-04-12 17:56:21
The basic truth is that this town has changed for the better under Dan Swords administration. Nobody else has done this. Nobody else is driven and inspired. Nobody else has a credible plan. Nobody else has a qualified team to execute such a plan. This election is about our town. Let's give Dan Swords and his team a resounding vote of confidence in May so the local Conservatives can finish the job.
Henny
2026-04-12 21:02:54
More Reform leaflets though the door today, yet more about what they plan to do nationally and nothing local.
Mark
2026-04-12 23:47:25
Tony S - I completely agree with you about address in Harlow. It should say the ward they live in too. Then you would see 9 of 11 Reform Candidates live in the ward they want to represent, and other two in the ward next door. Can't get much better local representation than that!
Guy Flegman
2026-04-13 06:25:35
Note for all candidates. Just put out a leaflet stating “ Vote for me and I will make all your dreams come true” and you will win. This strategy has always worked in politics and we the public fall for it every time.
Hank
2026-04-13 12:35:27
Guy, if these Reform voters could read they would be very upset with you
Realist
2026-04-13 18:23:37
Can someone please answer a question for me, was it four or five years ago, when we had a labour run council, who in the April put up the council tax, and then turned out the lights, between midnight and five in the morning, making it difficult for Harlow people who worked for the night time economy to see there way home? But no council tax payer got a rebate on the savings they made. Labour is only good for one thing, charge you more, give you less. If you want real change, and that change to continue, no contest. Vote for Conservative councillors to remain. Every piece of literature given to me by reform, deals specifically with national issues, absolutely nothing to do with local issues. Why?
Tony S
2026-04-14 07:39:54
I said last council elections and general elections. be wary whot you wish for and we were lucky not enough labour council candidates got voted in. but was not so lucky in general election. the promise off being better off has not happened and and they keep using the line we inherited a broken economy. Labour is full off promises with no delivery. so beware off any other party that does the same. yes l do think the Dan swords should be given more time but l also think they should have a word with Essex Council about sorting Harlow roads out and stop trying to red route places in Harlow 😉🤔
A
2026-04-17 18:55:17
The Dan Swords and conservative glazing is unreal. He is the one who was OK with these local elections being CANCELLED, he aligned with many Labour led councils on this matter. The Government withdrew the plan to cancel local elections this year, but at that time DAN SWORDS TOLD THE GOV HARLOW WANT DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS CANCELLED. I certainly didn't want that. Having a modicum of competency doesn't make up for this glaring error in judgement. Sorry, 'but we'll be sooo buuusyyyy 😩' is not a sufficient excuse for something as serious as denying right to vote and choose representation.
A
2026-04-17 19:10:05
Can we stop with the false dichotomy of labour or conservative? Thank god we have more options! Look at all the options before reflex voting please.
A
2026-04-17 19:29:04
Conservatives so damn good at bringing money into Harlow, but even before this election they apparently don't have the money to and didn't bother filling in all the potholes down Maddox Rd. I saw ONE filled in, it was covering the entire lane, could not avoid going over it, so thanks for that ONE pothole fixed. Shame the rest are still all over Maddox Rd.
Bob
2026-05-07 11:38:43
Thank you Hank for you comment about Reform Voters. Everyone who reads this page will now know, the kind of person you are. I bet a lot of middle of the road voters, will vote for Reform now.. Thank you for your help on Election Day Hank. A really kind gesture helping Reform out. Your a true friend to Reform, Hank. Your a star.
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