Sadiq Khan urges London's EU citizens to punish Theresa May for 'Brexit chaos' in spring local elections

More than a million European Union citizens in London were today urged to punish Theresa May for “Brexit chaos” in borough elections this spring.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the local elections were the first opportunity since the 2016 referendum for EU citizens to stage a protest vote against the Government’s handling of Brexit negotiations and push the Prime Minister into seeking a softer Brexit deal.

Although EU citizens living in the UK cannot vote in general elections, they are entitled to take part in local elections.

Some 1.1 million are eligible in London, including an estimated 51,000 in Barnet and up to 39,000 in Wandsworth, both of which are key battlegrounds.

A “Brexit battering” at the polls could be significant for Mrs May because some Tories have said her performance in the local elections will be critical to deciding whether fresh moves are made to trigger a leadership contest.

However, the biggest lobbying organisation for EU citizens’, the3million, said Labour could not take their support for granted unless it gave clearer guarantees on their rights after Brexit.

The group also pointed out that Jeremy Corbyn whipped his front bench behind the Commons vote to trigger Article 50.

Mr Khan told the Evening Standard: “We need to send the Tory Government a message that we don’t want their chaotic extreme hard Brexit approach - before it’s too late and the damage is irrevocably done.

“The clock is ticking - and while the Tories fight amongst themselves putting their narrow party interests first, the fate of jobs and growth for Londoners and people across the country hangs in the balance.

“This is our last chance to tell the Tories that we want a Brexit deal that works for us - including continued membership of the Single Market and Customs Union and access to talent that we so desperately need to succeed.”

However, Labour’s appeal may be blunted because Mr Corbyn currently supports Brexit, including leaving the single market and the customs union and scrapping EU free movement rights.

Maike Bohn, of the3million, said Labour had not so far been clear enough about its position.

“The jury is out on Labour,” she said.

“But I think there will be a much higher turnout of EU citizens in these elections. Some people may vote for the Liberal Democrats or the Greens because they opposed Article 50.”

James Cleverly, the Conservative deputy chairman, urged people to use the election vote for better council services.

“All voters should be focused on who is going to provide the best local services at the best value for money,” he said.

“As we see Momentum removing experienced local government leaders across London, voting Conservative is the best way to make sure you are getting quality services.”