The recent council elections have resulted in some of the most unexpected results throughout London.

While Brent has become virtually a one-party borough, Barnet has retained a Conservative administration by the skin of its teeth.

Labour was expected to regain the control of Harrow Borough Council, although the IGL (Independent Labour Group) was a threat that never materialised. Breakaway groups, either at national or local level are ostracised and rarely throw a spanner into the outcome.

It seems the unpopularity of the Government may have played its part, in spite of the improving economic situation and enhancement of job prospects nationally, but not much in evidence in London, where most employed people earn well below the national average with the exception of fat cats in the city and mind-boggling bonuses for bankers even when making heavy losses.

Harrow’s local Conservatives have played their part in their own downfall, by selecting candidates late, putting potentially winning candidates in unwinnable wards and shifting candidates around, rather than giving them party tickets on home turf that may have resulted in at least few more Conservative councillors.

Election strategies should be planned, worked out in advance and party tickets distributed at least six months before the election date, thus giving candidates the time and opportunity to make themselves known in their wards.

I understand Conservatives have yet to select a candidate for Brent North against the popular and well entrenched Labour MP Barry Gardiner, thus giving her (an all women constituency for the Conservatives) a scant chance to spring a surprise when the General Election is more or less on the horizon.

The next election will be an interesting one when voters are more orthodox than at local elections.

Bhupendra Gandhi

via email