LAST May, Labour thought they were in with a chance of winning this seat. Certainly, Tom Newens gave it his best shot but fell short by 316 votes.

You have the feeling that is as close as either Labour or UKIP are going to get.

The incumbent, Sue Livings is a well-liked, high profile and popular local councillor with a real feel for the issues that concern the good people of Old Harlow. That may be the on-going issue of Junction 7a or the preservation of the arts at St John’s.

She may be aided by the fact that it is a general election year and the troops may be out solidly behind Robert Halfon as well.

Prediction: Cons hold

Name of Candidate
Efua Sey KOI-LARBI (Labour Party)
Alan William LEVERETT (UK Independence Party)
Sue Jeanette LIVINGS (The Conservative Party)
Mary Helen WILTSHIRE (Liberal Democrats)