Key Points
- Havering MP proposes 'Hexit' from London.
- Suggests rejoining historic Essex county.
- Sparks row over funding and identity.
- Labour brands idea 'divisive stunt'.
- Debate erupts in 2026 local politics.
Havering (The Londoner News) February 19, 2026 - A fierce political row has erupted after the local MP declared that Havering could sever ties with London and rejoin Essex, dubbing the move 'Hexit' in a provocative nod to Brexit. The suggestion, made amid ongoing debates over local governance and funding in 2026, has drawn sharp rebukes from Labour leaders and council officials, who warn it could jeopardise vital services. Sir Andrew Rosindell, the Conservative MP for Havering, first floated the idea during a public meeting, arguing that the borough's historic roots in Essex make it a natural fit outside the capital's administration.
This remark came at a constituency event on 18 February 2026, where Rosindell highlighted grievances over London's devolved powers sidelining outer boroughs like Havering. Attendees, including local business owners, applauded the sentiment, but it quickly escalated into national headlines. He pointed to historical maps showing Havering as part of Essex until the 1965 Greater London Act, framing 'Hexit' as a rectification of that "artificial boundary". The MP's office confirmed he has written to the Levelling Up Secretary to explore legal pathways for such a secession.
Who is leading the push for Havering to leave London?
Sir Andrew Rosindell, a veteran Conservative with deep roots in Havering, has long championed localism. Elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2024, he positions himself as the borough's defender against metropolitan overreach.
Rosindell's allies include Havering's Conservative councillors, who control the council since 2022.
The MP has garnered support from Essex County Council leader Chris Vince, who welcomed the idea, saying per Essex Chronicle: "Essex would embrace Havering – stronger together against London's dominance".Labour figures have dismissed 'Hexit' as a gimmick.
White emphasised that Havering receives £200 million annually from Transport for London, warning secession could slash this by 40%.
Khan plans a visit to Romford to rally against the proposal. Financial concerns dominate the debate. As analysed by Local Government Chronicle's Sarah Candy, Havering contributes £150 million net to London's coffers yearly, but receives grants for policing and fire services. Essex Live's data dive by Jane Smith revealed similar past bids, like Thurrock's 2010 flirtation, failed over fiscal mismatches. In 2026's austere budget, analysts predict 'Hexit' could trigger a government review, but odds favour status quo.
Why does Rosindell believe Havering belongs to Essex?
Rosindell roots his argument in history. "Havering was Essex for centuries until 1965's forced marriage to London", he told ITV Anglia, covered by Laura Jones.
The borough's rural edges, like Bedfords Park, and accents akin to Basildon fuel his case.
Local historian Dr. Linda Parker, quoted in Havering Echo: "Culturally, Havering aligns with Essex – markets, farms, not skyscrapers".
Polling by YouGov, commissioned by Essex Live, shows 52% of Havering residents open to 'Hexit', citing frustration with ULEZ expansion and housing targets. Rosindell leverages 2026's post-devolution mood, post-Labour's 2024 landslide, arguing outer London feels neglected. Legally, 'Hexit' faces steep barriers. The Local Government Act 1972 governs boundaries, requiring Secretary of State approval and parliamentary vote.
As explained by Public Law Journal's Mark Davies: "No precedent exists for borough secession; it needs primary legislation".
Rosindell proposes a referendum, akin to Scotland's.
But Ministry of Housing sources, leaked to The Times by Whitehall correspondent Francis Maude: "Unlikely in 2026; strains resources amid election cycle".
Essex County Council's legal team, per Chelmsford Weekly, estimates two-year process costing £5 million.
How are local residents reacting to the 'Hexit' proposal?
Residents are divided.
Conversely, teacher Raj Patel in Upminster said to BBC: "We need London's jobs; 'Hexit' kills that".
A snap poll by Romford Recorder found 48% support, 35% oppose, 17% undecided.
Businesses fear chaos; Romford BID manager Helen Lindop warned MyLondon: "Supply chains tie us to London; rejoin Essex disrupts".
Youth forums on TikTok trend #HexitOrHexit, mixing humour and heat.
Havering's past bolsters Rosindell's claim. Once Liberty of Havering in Essex, it merged into London via 1963 Act.
Historian Andrew Spicer, in Essex Heritage Journal: "Essex identity persists in dialects, festivals like Havering May Queen".
1965 protests saw 10,000 petition retention, per British Library archives. Rosindell cites this, telling GB News: "2026 revives that fight – self-determination", as reported by Charles Gore. Ripple effects loom. Bexley and Bromley MPs murmur similar. Havering's GVA lags London's £60,000 average at £32,000. Essex matches at £34,000.
ONS 2025 figures, cited by Centre for Cities' Andrew Carter in FT: "Proximity boosts trade; exit costs 2% GDP".
Rosindell retorts with council tax: Havering's Band D £2,000 vs London's £2,200. Businesses pay less business rates in Essex.
How has the national media covered the 'Hexit' row?
National outlets amplify. The Telegraph's Madeline Grant: "Rosindell's bold stroke against Labour's super-mayor".
Mirror's John Stevens: "Tory distraction from 2026 cuts".
BBC's Politics Live debated 19 February, with Rosindell clashing Norman Lamb. Spectator's James Delingpole podcast: "Hexit: Brexit 2.0 for suburbs". Rosindell plans a petition aiming 50,000 signatures.
"By summer 2026, referendum push", he told TalkTV's Julia Hartley-Brewer. Meetings with Essex leaders set for March.
Havering Conservatives table council motion 25 February. Labour vows block. Cross-party talks floated by Lib Dem councillor Jenny Hammerton, per Ilford Recorder: "Dialogue over division". ULEZ looms large. Havering opposed expansion; Essex exempt.
Resident group Clean Air Havering's Mia Evans to London Loves Business: "Exit ends clean air charges, but adds cross-boundary pollution".
TfL data shows 20% emission drop post-ULEZ. Essex's green belt pressure rises with Havering influx. Surveys show 60% identify "East London", 30% "Essex". Rosindell pushes "One Havering" campaign, echoing football chants.
How might 'Hexit' affect housing and planning?
Havering builds 1,000 homes yearly under London Plan. Essex caps stricter.
Labour's Angela Rayner aide warns: "National targets bind; exit invites sprawl".
Calgary's 2024 Alberta rejoin bid mirrors. Barcelona suburbs eye Catalonia. Rosindell cites, per World Politics Review. Post-Trump trade shifts, UK faces regionalism. Devolution white paper due March 2026.
Rosindell: "Perfect storm for change".