Janet Grauberg wins in West Hampstead by-election
Liberal Democrat Janet Grauberg has won a landslide victory in the West Hampstead by-election in Camden, securing 54% of the vote, a 19% swing from Labour to the Lib Dems. This is the first time in more than a decade that West Hampstead has not elected a Labour councillor.
Janet’s win reflects both her long-standing role in the local community and the Liberal Democrats’ stance on key local issues, such as opposing the overdevelopment of the O2 Centre site and campaigning for cleaner streets. The strength of the Liberal Democrat campaign was underlined by the result, which saw the party secure more than two and a half times as many votes as Labour in a distant second place.
Janet has lived in NW6 for 35 years and earlier this year was awarded an OBE for “services to the community in North London and to Education”. From serving as a school governor to co-founding the West Hampstead Community Food Hub during the Covid pandemic, she has consistently stepped up to support and advocate for local people.
Speaking after her victory, Janet said:
“I'm hugely grateful to everyone who voted for me on Thursday. It's clear that the residents of West Hampstead liked the offer of a hard-working, experienced councillor who was embedded in the community and talking about the issues that mattered to them. I'm really looking forward to listening, responding and representing them over the coming months”
Tom Simon, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Camden Council, said:
“I am delighted that Janet has joined our group. She has worked so hard f.or the people of West Hampstead for a long time and has definitely earned her victory. This result shows that the Liberal Democrats are the real challengers to Labour across Camden.”
The Liberal Democrats are the official opposition to Labour on Camden Council. This is their second by-election win since the last local elections, and with the next round less than a year away, the group is aiming to make further gains.
The by-election was triggered after a councillor was caught on CCTV in a confrontation with a local shopkeeper, saying he will shut down their business. That councillor was elected as Labour in 2022 but defected to the Conservatives in 2025.
Results (change from 2022 election)
Lib Dems 54% (+15%)
Labour 21% (-23%)
Conservatives 10% (-6%)
Reform 7% (New)
Greens 7% (New)