THIS is, you may not be surprised to know, a safe Conservative seat. There hasn’t been a Labour councillor since Derek Fenny in 2000.

But this is an expanding and changing community. The ward of Old Harlow reflects the changing landscape of Harlow.

It is for this reasons (and others) that there may well be a re-drawing of the political boundaries and what they call all-out elections in 2024.

Incumbent Conservative councillor Joel Charles is defending the seat for the third time. Joel Charles is one of the “big beasts” of Harlow politics. A highly skilled politician who is a local man, indeed, an Old Harlow man, through and through.

He is the deputy leader of the Harlow Conservatives and must be destined for a decent chance at a seat in Westminster, some time this decade.

If he is going to have his eye on anyone then it may well be the Green Party candidate, Yasmin Gregory.

It may be her first time standing, but anyone who has met her is aware of her innate ability to get things done.

If there is anyone who is going to shape the Green Party into a force in Harlow then it is Ms Gregory.

No-one has really touched the Tories in Old Harlow. In 2016, Labour got within 235 and there were 311 who voted UKIP. So it will be interesting.

YH Prediction: Conservative Hold: But under 200

Old Harlow

Joel Charles (Conservative)

Yasmin Gregory (Green)

Liam Kerrigan (Labour)

Paul Lenihan (Trade Unionist and Socialist Candidate)