The battle for Brighton and Hove

 
One of the most interesting election contests on May 5 will be for control of Brighton & Hove City Council. It is a unitary authority, currently with a minority Conservative administration and all the seats are up for election.

Unlike most parts of the country, it will be a close three-way run for control of the city - Conservatives, Labour and the Greens. After the success of Caroline Lucas last year in being elected MP for Brighton Pavilion, the Greens have their eyes on taking control of a city council for the first time in the UK. This was be a fascinating political spectacle - a showcase of their left wing extremism. But it would be a disaster to Brighton and Hove. However the Greens already have 13 councillors are party activists are building up their carbon footprint by coming in from around the country to  help with their campaign.

Despite being a minority administration the Conservatives have done a great job in defending front line services. The Council has embraced transparency and served notice on the LGA. They proposed a 1% Council Tax cut - which was voted down by Green Party and Labour councillors.

There are some excellenyt  yound Council candidates standing for the Conservatives this year. Some are picture above. From left to right: Kerry Underhill - North Portslade, Adam Love - Goldsmid, Robert Nemeth - Withdean, Michael Ireland - Hangleton & Knoll, Rachael Bates - Hollingdean & Stanmer, Mike Macfarlane - Regency, George Dore - Moulsecoomb & Bevendean and Rob Buckwell - Goldsmid.