Greater Manchester Residents Demand Say in London Mayoral Election – Government Says ‘No’

More than 2,000 people in Greater Manchester backed a UK-wide petition seeking voting rights in the London mayoral election. The Government has now delivered its verdict.

Over 2,200 residents in Greater Manchester have joined thousands across the UK in backing a petition to Parliament, demanding the right to vote in London’s mayoral elections. But despite growing public interest, the Government has officially ruled out any changes to voting eligibility.

The petition, which drew over 49,000 signatures nationally, argued that London’s global influence affects the entire country, and therefore, all UK citizens should have a say in who runs it.

The petition stated: “Only people who live in Greater London are allowed to vote for candidates in the Mayoral elections. We think London carries so much influence across the globe and the majority of UK residents have no say as to who ‘heads up’ and manages our great city, and we should. London belongs to us all.

“We believe London, our Capital City, is different to every other city in the country and belongs to every man, woman and child throughout the UK. It is our largest city and is one of the most influential cities across the globe.

As such, we think all UK residents should have a say as to who holds the position of Chief Executive of the Greater London Authority. When it comes to voting for our London Mayor, I would like Parliament to allow all eligible UK residents to be able to vote, not just Londoners.”

The argument hinges on London’s unique status as the UK’s capital and its significant role on the international stage. Petitioners believe this justifies nationwide involvement in the city’s leadership.

Because the petition exceeded the 10,000-signature threshold, the Government was required to respond. Its reply was unequivocal.

“The Government has no plans to extend voting rights for the London Mayor elections to all UK residents,” the official statement read.

It continued: “Elected officials in the UK represent a specific area. For example: Members of Parliament (MPs) represent their constituencies, Mayors represent their city, town, or local authority (council) or combined authorities, Local councillors represent their wards, Police and Crime Commissioners represent their police areas.

“People living in those areas are the ones who vote for their representatives. There are a few exceptions, like Crown servants, British Council staff, and military personnel posted overseas, who vote in the area in the UK where they would be living were it not for their overseas service.

British citizens resident overseas and registered as overseas electors vote in the area, they were last resident in the UK.”

The Government further added: “The UK Government does not plan to change these rules or allow all UK residents to vote in London Mayor elections. The Mayor of London represents the people who live in London.

As far as the Government is aware, no major city in the world allows people outside the local area to vote for their mayor.”

Local Interest in Greater Manchester

Here’s a breakdown of how many people in each Greater Manchester constituency signed the petition:

Despite the Government’s refusal, the petition has sparked debate over London’s role in national life — and whether more inclusive governance might be needed in the future. One thing is clear: many beyond the capital are watching closely.