BACK in May, the Conservatives felt they did rather well in this ward. The Labour majority was 99, which was narrower than previous years.

This isn’t a swing seat, then again, it has been has been represented by Labour, Liberal Democrats as well as Ukip.

For many residents, they just want to know that if there is a problem then there is an approachable local councillor. The outgoing councillor Ian Beckett, was one such councillor. Whether it was general issues such as potholes, anti-social behaviour or being an advocate for individual organisations such as the 7th Scouts at Manor Hatch, Waterhouse Moor residents, Passmores Academy, St Stephen’s church or the Bush Fair Fayre, Ian was the quintessential local councillor.

To be honest, the minute he tweeted his disapproval regarding the treatment of leader Jon Clempner, we suspected he was toast.

Mr Beckett will be a hard act to follow.

The Tories have a keen and hard working candidate in Andreea Hardware who was brought up in the ward and was educated here. She would clearly be an asset to the ranks in the chamber, where there does seem to be a bit of a gender imbalance.

The Harlow Alliance Party has a candidate in Nicholas Taylor. Their concerns about planning matters and green belt will cut through but may not harvest many votes. Three figures would be a breakthrough.

UKIP and the Lib Dems are also fielding candidates. It is good to see a healthy slate of candidates. Infact it has been good to see so many campaigners out on the doorstep, fighting for their respective causes.

In many ways, this battle is similar to one in Harlow Common a few years back where the Tories ran Labour very close, fancied their chances at the next election but flattered to deceive. On that occasion, Labour retain the seat comfortably.

We have the feeling that this will happen here. The Tories will point to their success in Staple Tye but we just can’t see it.

Lab hold: 125

Candidates:
Lib Dem: Lesley Rideout
Labour: Jodi Dunne
Conservative: Andreea Hardware
UKIP: Anita Long
Harlow Alliance Party: Nicholas Taylor

The election is on Thursday Nov 8th.