The 2002 Islington Council election took place on 2 May 2002 to elect members of Islington London Borough Council in London, England. The whole council was up for election with boundary changes since the last election in 1998 reducing the number of seats by 4.^[1] The Liberal Democrats stayed in overall control of the council.^[2]

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2002 Islington Council election

← 1998 2 May 2002 2006 →
All council seats
First party Second party Third party   Leader Steve Hitchins Mary Creagh Party Liberal Democrats Labour Green Leader since 1997 2000 Leader's seat St. Peter's Highbury West Last election 26 seats, 41.4% 26 seats, 40.6% 0 seats, 6.3% Seats won 38 10 0 Seat change 12 16 Popular vote 45,754 35,651 10,775 Percentage 45.8% 35.7% 10.8% Swing 4.4% 4.9% 4.5%
Leader of Largest Party before election Steve Hitchins Liberal Democrats Subsequent Leader of Largest Party Steve Hitchins Liberal Democrats

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The 1998 election saw the Liberal Democrat and Labour parties finish on 26 seats each, with Labour continuing to run the council with the mayor's casting vote.^[3] However, in December 1999 the Liberal Democrats won a majority on the council after gaining a seat from Labour in a by-election.^[4] This meant that going into the election the Liberal Democrats had 27 seats, compared to 25 for Labour.^[5]

187 candidates stood in the election for the 48 seats being contested, after boundary changes reduced the number of seats by 4.^[5] The election was seen as a fight between the Liberal Democrat and Labour parties, with the Green Party aiming to win 1 or 2 seats.^[5] The Conservative party did not put candidates for every seat being contested, while the Christian Peoples Alliance, Independent Working Class Association, Socialist Alliance and Socialist Labour Party all stood candidates, as well as several independents.^[5]

Issues in the election were reported as being crime, council housing repairs, asset sell-offs and the proposed new Arsenal stadium.^[5]

The results saw the Liberal Democrats retain control of the council with an increased majority after gaining seats from Labour.^[6]

* - Existing Councillor seeking re-election.