IF there was ever a year that Labour might have a chance of winning this ward, then this might be the year.

But looking back on previous elections, we are starting to conclude that we are just imagining things.

Conservative candidate Nick Churchill has been councillor since 1999. He has seen challenges to Tory councillors in this ward come and go: UKIP came close in 2014 and got to within 58 votes.

Last year, the Conservatives won by 640 votes.

It is all set up to be an interesting four way battle.

This is the third time Labour candidate, Aiden O’Dell has stood. You have to admire his loyalty to the ward he lives in. The first five minutes of our interview with Mr O’Dell focusses on the work he has been doing regarding the “merger” of GP surgery Barbara Castle House and Addison House.

Harlow Alliance Party candidate Alan Leverett is standing for the fourth time and it will be interesting to see if he can get over 400 votes.

Then we also have, for the first time in Sumners and Kingsmoor, a Green candidate in Terry Patrick. Again, how many votes can they hoover up?

It makes for a fascinating battle, where protest votes may, just may create an unpredictable result.

YH Prediction: Conservative Hold: But it may be much closer than before. Majority under 50.

Sumners and Kingsmoor

Nick Churchill (Conservative)

Alan Leverett (Harlow Alliance Party)

Aiden O’Dell (Labour)

Terry Patrick (Green)