Harefield Gazette

Blue grip tightens at Kensington and Chelsea

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THE Conservati­ve Party has tightened its grip on Kensington and Chelsea Council by winning 35 seats at the Local Election.

Despite Labour making huge gains in neighbouri­ng councils, the Conservati­ves still have a tight grip over Kensington and Chelsea Council, with Labour unable to improve on their 2018 result. The opposition party still has 13 seats, with a second Liberal Democrat councillor also being elected.

Across the borough, a total of 146 candidates battled it out for 50 seats across 18 wards.

The Conservati­ves and Labour had both put forward 50 candidates while there were also 39 Liberal Democrat candidates, four Green candidates and three Independen­ts.

Tory councillor Johnny Thalassite­s, in charge of planning, said: “On a mixed night for London Tories, I am proud our team has been re-elected in Holland ward with an increased vote share.

“This is a special community in the heart of Kensington, and I look forward to delivering residents’ priorities.”

The night saw little drama, with the most excitement coming over the hotly contested Earl’s Court ward. A recount was held for the seat after there were just eight votes separating the Lib Dems and Tories. Ultimately the Tories took one seat and the Lib Dems took the other two.

Voters backed the Tories to keep council tax low, protect regular bin collection­s and tackle air pollution. The Conservati­ves also promised to save Notting Hill Police Station from being turned into luxury housing.

Meanwhile, Labour pledged to help residents during the cost of living crisis and tackle potholes and anti-social behaviour. The party also vowed to advocate for locals living in unsuitable social and affordable housing.

Control of Kensington and Chelsea Council has remained in Conservati­ve hands since its inception in 1964. The average house prices in the borough are the highest in the country while council tax remains low.

The council was recently in the spotlight as the ongoing Grenfell Inquiry heard testimonie­s from survivors and staff about how the authority dealt with the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. The Grenfell fire killed 72 people on June 14 2017.

A total of 146 candidates battled it out for 50 seats across the borough’s 18 wards, but ultimately the Tories easily kept the number of seats they have.

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