THIS is another fascinating ward. In 2018, the Conservatives took it by one vote. In 2019, Labour won by 101.

Once again, the UKIP factor may come in to play.

In 2018, UKIP’s Mark Gough polled 154 votes and in 2019, he polled a considerable 319.

With no UKIP candidate, the same question as Harlow Common arises: Will that impact on the result in 2021?

It may all be about getting your vote out.

It is a busy ward, with loads of issues from health, education and crime dominating (oh and potholes).

YH interviewed the Labour councillor who is defending the ward, Stefan Mullard. Mr Mullard has always been a breath of fresh air in local politics.

Whatever your political allegiance, Harlow needs more young (under 30) people who are prepared to have a go. As the only journalist who attends Harlow Council meetings, you can often see the wheels of Stefan’s mind whirring away.

At a recent scrutiny meeting where Essex Police made a presentation, it was Mr Mullard who spotted the incredibly low solve rate for sexual assaults in the town.

His full time job is as a regional organiser for Labour but we would like to see more of Stefan in the decision making process.

We also interviewed the Conservative candidate, Alastair Gunn. Again, it is good to see a relatively young person making their way in local politics. Alastair works for an MP and so has a deft understanding of the political world both in Westminster and in the regions.

Young Conservatives such as Alastair may well have a better understanding as to why over 27,000 people in a constituency like Harlow vote Conservative.

Results in 2018 and 2019

Prediction: Labour Hold