Swiss Cottage was a huge win for the Tories last time with three candidates getting just over 50 per cent of the vote. But first placed Stephen Hocking is standing down this year, making space for a Labour fightback. Although with just over 20 per cent of

Swiss Cottage was a huge win for the Tories last time with three candidates getting just over 50 per cent of the vote. But first placed Stephen Hocking is standing down this year, making space for a Labour fightback. Although with just over 20 per cent of the vote last time, there is a lot of ground to make up especially with Lib Dems closely following them at 18 per cent. Key ward issues include parking, development and late-night pub licences.

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GREEN

Alan Wheatley, of Highgate, is a social care worker. He said: "Strong local government with adequately funded public services, helps citizens make the most of their lives in the face of a shock-and-awe onslaught of market forces."

Also standing are Lucy Wills, of Aberdare Gardens, and Anne Charvet, of Compayne Gardens.

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LIB DEM

Jill Newbrook, of South Hampstead, is a jewellery designer and maker. She said: "I'm very concerned that our streets and pavements should be made safe for the elderly and people with disabilities."

Harriet Sloane, of West Hampstead, is an accountant and previously worked for Lib Dem MEP Sarah Ludford.

Sally Twite, of Fortune Green, is an education consultant.

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CONSERVATIVE

Andrew Marshall, of Eton College Road, has been a councillor for 12 years. He said: "I am campaigning for better value-for-money services with a two-year freeze on council tax."

Roger Freeman is a former chairman of the Hampstead Conservative association and an ex-banker. He said: "We want better planning decisions made with a Hampstead planning committee."

Don Williams, of Cleve Road, has been a councillor for four years. He said: "Camden has failed us on law and order."

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LABOUR

Selman Ansari, of Belsize, is a barrister specialising in public and human rights law. He has lobbied the government to ensure adequate legal advice is provided to those in need. He said: "I have a particular interest in housing issues. I am thoroughly delighted by the new Swiss Cottage centre."

Katharine Bligh, of Swiss Cottage, said: "I have supported local schools and campaigned for community facilities like the new leisure centre and library at Swiss Cottage."

Charles Keal, of Highgate, said: "I am a campaigner for local environment issues like planning and licensing."

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OTHERS

Magnus Nielsen who ran as an independent in this ward in 2002 is running for UKIP this year and Alphonse Komesha is running for the Christian People's Alliance.