Adam Kellett: From the frontline in Croydon

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The London Borough of Croydon is seen as one of the Conservatives key targets for these Local Elections, and I am honoured to have been selected to contest Norbury ward. In theory it is Labour’s second most vulnerable ward, although the scale of demographic changes make comparisons with 2002 a risky business.

Labour have been in control of the Council for 12 years, and whilst most Norbury residents that have been there that long say it has gone downhill, many are new to the area and don’t know what it was once like. The general population drift is Southwards, with the result that the leafy wards of Croydon South are becoming more Conservative, whilst the wards of Croydon North and Central are receiving new residents from inner London Boroughs such as Lambeth and Southwark.

Norbury is an interesting case in that it is the most Northerly ward, but much of it could be described as leafy, and some areas are positively affluent. Sadly it has more than its fair share of “Champagne Socialists”. The good news from the doorsteps is that the Labour vote appears soft, with many “T’s” going down on the canvass sheets, whilst the “C’s” appear determined to turn out for us.

Labour are certainly worried about Norbury and put out several leaflets just before the election expense limits started. They also distributed a corny DVD that has been described as the worst home movie ever made. Cherie Blair and Ken Livingstone have also visited which is great news for us. No one seems to like her, and he has forced through a bus lane on the A23 that few wanted after one of his meaningless consultations.

One of the most interesting features of the campaign so far has been the doorstep response. The vast majority of Labour supporters that we meet are polite to us whether they are wavering or not. There is however a minority who cant slam the door quick enough when you say “Conservative”. I like to think that these are the people who have done very nicely out of New Labour for the last few years such as consultants and NHS managers. Perhaps they realise that Blair’s plans for a one-party State in all but name may not succeed after all.

So will we win in Norbury? The honest answer is we will not know until we see the votes stacked up, and perhaps not for a few hours later. There is usually one ward that needs a recount or two and I suspect it will be ours. We can take control of the Council without Norbury, but I have no particular desire to be a bridesmaid.

And finally, the best anecdotal evidence of Labour under pressure in Norbury so far, as told to me by a previously solid Labour voter. He suggested to a canvassing Labour Councillor that Britain should follow the Australian example whereby all potential migrants had to show that they had a reasonable amount in their bank accounts. The Councillor’s response to this life long Labour supporter was apparently that if he thought that system was so great, then he should emigrate himself!

Wish me luck!

Comments

[Stewart Buchanan]

Best of luck Adam, kick Labour's ass.

[Voice from the South West]

Good luck, I'll be watching the local elections in Croydon with great interest!