TWENTY years ago, this ward had three Lib Dem councillors. In many ways, they were what local residents are asking for. Hard working, a link between the residents and the powers-that-be. They were also vocal and visible.

Since then there have been Labour, UKIP and Conservative councillors for this ward.

In 2014, UKIP gained the seat and the winning candidate was Dan Long. In 2026, Mr Long returns as a Reform UK candidate.

Mr Long was one of those councillors who may have not had a total grip on what was going on in the chamber but he worked hard in the ward. Our filmed interviews back then attest to that. Potholes on Tumbler Road, anti-social behaviour in Hookfield, housing issues in Spencers Croft.

And in many ways, Mr Long seems to enjoy politics.

Of course, the big factor in this ward and every ward is The Dan Swords Factor.

It feels like a referendum on the leader of the council. It feels like a vote of confidence on his plans to “Build Harlow’s Future”. Councillor Swords isn’t even standing but that is the way he has “marketed” this election.

Fact is, we know very little about the Conservative candidate for this ward. It almost feels like they have put up a paper candidate for a winnable ward.

But even in 2024, they were polling at 32%.

Labour have a candidate in this ward that may be one to watch for the future. We enjoyed interviewing Rosie Jackson. Harlow born and bred. A St Mark’s student who is here for the long haul. This is a really difficult year for any Labour candidate but we need more young people to stand in local elections.

Harlow’s Green Party candidate Dave Margetts is another strong candidate. Very much a community man and is a valuable member of Team Green. It will be interesting to see how many votes they poll.

This is a real tricky one. This could be the real test of whether there are enough voters of all descriptions who will vote for Dan Swords, getting the job done.

Conservative Gain.