Local Elections 2018: Belsize set for recount as vote goes down to the wire
A polling station on Finchley Road earlier today - Credit: Harry Taylor
Candidates in Belsize will have to head to the Town Hall later today, as a handful of votes is thought to separate candidates in the key swing area.
Returning officer Mike Cooke confirmed the news in the early hours of the morning, after the Conservative Party asked for staff to count the votes again.
It’s thought a handful of votes separate the candidate in third place, and incumbent Leila Roy who might miss out.
It would be a huge blow for the Conservative group on the council, as Cllr Roy has become well-known for her work on the Chalcots Estate.
Former councillor, and Chalcots tenants and residents association member Tom Simon is believed to top the ballot.
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The council stated: “After a first round of counting, the Returning Officer has announced that all votes cast in Belsize ward will recounted at midday today (Friday 4 May 2018).”
Turnout was 42.5 per cent, higher than Camden which had 37.3pc.
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The count was held overnight at Somers Town Community Sports Centre.
If the final result does see the Conservative vote in the ward decrease, it would spell further disaster for the party who lost Swiss Cottage overnight.
Labour won the ward off the Tories for the first time in 20 years.
The new count will take place at Camden Town Hall, starting at midday.
