London West

London West covers the western portion of the City of London, stretching from the Thames River through residential neighbourhoods, commercial corridors, and the suburban developments that have expanded westward along the Highway 402 corridor. NDP MPP Peggy Sattler, first elected in a 2013 by-election, sought a fifth term as one of the most experienced members of the NDP caucus. During the 2022-2025 term, Sattler served as chief opposition whip and shadow minister for colleges, universities, research excellence, and security. A former trustee on the Thames Valley District School Board for thirteen years, including two terms as board chair, Sattler had built a legislative record that included securing paid leave for domestic and sexual violence survivors in Ontario law.

The riding is home to a mix of established neighbourhoods, growing suburbs, and a significant number of commuters. London West had been held by the NDP since Sattler's 2013 by-election victory, and the 2025 contest drew a large field of eight candidates.

Candidates

Peggy Sattler (NDP) — First elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2014, 2018, and 2022, Sattler is the chief opposition whip and shadow minister for colleges, universities, research excellence, and security. She holds a political science degree from McMaster University and a master's degree in educational policy from Western University, and worked as a parliamentary staffer for NDP MPs before entering elected politics. She successfully legislated paid leave for domestic and sexual violence survivors.

Beth Allison (Progressive Conservative) — A school principal with over twenty-five years of experience in education, Allison has championed initiatives prioritizing literacy, numeracy, and support for students with diverse needs. She has served on the boards of the London Public Library and St. Leonard's Society, volunteers in children's ministry at Holy Family Parish, and sits on the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Grant Committee.

Baqar Khan (Liberal) — An immigrant, former banker, farmer, and business owner of ten years in London West. Khan has been active as a community leader supporting the London Food Bank, men's shelter, and ethnic community organizations.

Minor candidates included Jim Johnston (Green Party), Shane Dale (New Blue Party), Ken Byma (Libertarian), Tim Hodges (Freedom Party), and Timothy Hammer (Independent).

Local Issues

London's escalating homelessness and housing crisis was the most prominent issue in London West during the 2022-2025 term. The city's visible encampment population grew dramatically, and the establishment of neighbourhood service hubs to provide supports to unhoused individuals generated considerable debate in residential communities across the western part of the city. The wait list for rent-geared-to-income housing exceeded nearly seven thousand households, and average rents continued to climb beyond what many working families could sustain. Sattler pressed the provincial government for increased investment in affordable and supportive housing, while her opponents offered competing visions for how to accelerate housing supply.

Health care staffing shortages affected London West residents throughout the term. The difficulty of finding a family physician was a widespread complaint, and the strain on emergency departments at London's hospitals meant longer wait times for patients across the city. The aftermath of the provincial government's Bill 124, which had capped public-sector wage increases and contributed to an exodus of nurses and health care workers, continued to reverberate even after the legislation was struck down by the courts. Recruitment and retention of health professionals remained the central challenge.

Education funding and post-secondary affordability were significant concerns in a riding adjacent to Western University and Fanshawe College. Sattler's portfolio responsibilities gave her a platform to advocate for stronger provincial investment in colleges and universities, campus safety measures, and supports for students facing housing and food insecurity. The intersection of student housing pressures with the broader rental market shortage amplified the affordability challenge for residents across the riding.