Gospel Oak looks set to be a two-horse race as the Tories battle Labour. But with Labour commanding almost 42 per cent of the vote and the Tories only a quarter, it is unlikely to be the fiercest contest in the borough. Key issues are likely to be the sta

Gospel Oak looks set to be a two-horse race as the Tories battle Labour. But with Labour commanding almost 42 per cent of the vote and the Tories only a quarter, it is unlikely to be the fiercest contest in the borough. Key issues are likely to be the state of council housing and crime.

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GREEN

Jane Walby, of Savernake Road, Gospel Oak, a former Camden teacher, is an adviser on the Young Minds information service.

Richard Thomas, of Kingsford Street, Gospel Oak, an economist, works for HM Revenue and Customs. He said: "A fourth force is needed to challenge the corporate consensus and hold politicians from other parties to account."

Josephine Karen lives in Estelle Road, Gospel Oak.

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LIB DEM

Margaret Jackson-Roberts, of Estelle Road, Gospel Oak, is a retired civil servant.

Bert Newbrook, of Goldhurst Terrace, Swiss Cottage, is a town planner. He said: "There is a real fear of crime in the area, particularly among older people, and I think that is uppermost in people's minds."

Laura Noel, of Courthope Road, Gospel Oak, works in executive coaching and is a bereavement counsellor. She said: "The overwhelming issue is the need for Camden Council to consult local people properly."

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CONSERVATIVE

Chris Philp, of Mackeson Road, trains HGV drivers. He said: "I was an active member of the Camden parking inquiry, which stood up for residents' interests against unfair parking policies."

Lulu Mitchell runs the flower stall outside Hampstead Heath station. She said: "I will fight to make sure housing problems are dealt with quickly."

Keith Sedgwick is secretary of Wellesley Road tenants association. He said: "I have campaigned against the Labour council's incompetence and forced many local improvements."

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LABOUR

Raj Chada, 33, of Camden, a solicitor, took over as leader of the council from Jane Roberts last year. He said: "My main priority locally is to improve housing and community safety."

Janet Guthrie is a serving councillor. She said: "I have campaigned locally and across Camden on post offices and a better mail service from Royal Mail."

Sally Gimson is a journalist, school governor and mother-of-three. She said: "My main interest is expanding provision of Surestart and childcare and more school places for local children.