In the weeks leading up to the 2026 local elections, West London Citizens convened three powerful assemblies across Hounslow, Ealing and Westminster, bringing together hundreds of leaders to make one thing unmistakably clear: our communities are organised, our priorities are shared, and we expect action.

Each assembly was rooted in months of listening across schools, faith institutions, universities and community groups. Together, they showed what local democracy looks like when people most affected by injustice set the agenda — and when those seeking power are asked to work together to improve people’s lives.

Turnout: 50+ community leaders
Where: St Mary’s Church, Osterley

In Hounslow, Citizens leaders from faith organisations, young people and local community organisations gathered candidates from the Labour, Conservative and Green parties. 

Leaders set out a clear vision for the borough, calling for:

• A major expansion of Living Wage accredited employers
• Action on insecure and low‑paid work
• Improved housing standards and a borough-wide landlord licensing scheme
• Access to community space for all local groups

Candidates were asked to respond directly to these priorities and committed to working with Hounslow Citizens over the next council term on each of them. The tone was calm, relational and firm, modelling the kind of politics residents want to see more of.

Turnout: 270+ residents
Where: St Anselm’s Church, Southall

Ealing’s Accountability Assembly brought together over 270 residents, representing more than 15,000 people across the borough — a powerful show of organised community strength, from local schools, faith and community organisations. The room was filled with renters, parents and young people.

Speakers shared their experiences of:

• Children growing up in temporary accommodation
• Poor‑quality private renting, including living in homes with massive damp and disrepair
• Low pay, insecure hours and barriers to decent work

In response, candidates from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives were pressed to commit to:

• Ending long‑term use of temporary accommodation and improving conditions immediately
• Stronger enforcement against rogue landlords, including wider selective licensing
• Progressing a Living Hours plan to tackle insecure work
• Developing a Community Jobs Compact to create routes into good local jobs

The assembly made clear that these were not abstract demands — they were grounded in stories, evidence and organised people ready to act again.

Read the whole story here.

In Westminster, Citizens assemblies highlighted the growing leadership of students and workers organising for fair pay and dignity at work.

A key ask was about the Living Wage Assembly, where leaders shared testimonies about low pay and economic insecurity and set out clear expectations for employers and public institutions to step up. The assembly also celebrated hard‑won Living Wage victories, including NHS Trusts accrediting as Living Wage employers — delivering pay rises for thousands across North West London.

In addition, the West London Citizens wide campaign calling on the government to put Thames Water into Special Administration gathered pace, as leaders sent 32 personal, hand-written letters to their MP calling for urgent action.

Crucially, the assembly showed how new leaders — particularly young people — are learning to negotiate, speak publicly and win change together.

An article written by Beheshta Bakhtari, Youth Opportunities team;  UCG students shine at Westminster Citizens Assembly

Across all three boroughs, the message was clear – leaders want to improve their lives and those of their communities.

This means:

• Fair work must mean secure, Living Wage jobs
• Homes must be safe and stable for children and families
• Local democracy works when communities lead

These assemblies were not one‑off moments. They were acts of organised public leadership — and West London Citizens will be returning to these commitments, holding those elected to account and continuing to build power for the long term.