Speculation mounts over future shape of Haringey Council

Charlotte Newton

ANTICIPATION is mounting at the Alexandra Palace count as residents and politicians wait to see who will take control of the Town Hall.

All of Haringey's 57 seats across the borough's 19 wards are up for grabs tonight and residents want to know which party will rule locally.

While the counting of votes is well underway in The Great Hall, dozens of residents and party supporters of all colours are mingling in Palm Court at Ally Pally.

Muswell Hill resident Lynne Zilkha said: "We're waiting with baited breath to see the outcome for the local elections. It's very hard to call right now."

Tottenham resident Mario Petrou said: "Nationally I think we're going to have to wait and see but locally I think the Liberal Democrats are going to win."

Currently the Labour Party has 29 seats, the Lib Dems 26, there is one Conservative and one Independent. To achieve an overall majority and govern, the winning party needs 29 seats.

Highgate resident and Labour supporter Philip Davies, 43 said: "I watched the opening of some of the ballot boxes and took a rough sample. We seem to be doing quite well in the east of the borough - in particular in Noel Park and Bounds Green."

Stroud Green resident Clive Carter flew back from New Zealand last week in time for the election and hopes to see the Liberal Dems seize control locally. He said: "I'm hoping for a change of administration with the Lib Dems in control. I'd like a new start."

Lib Dem incumbent Ed Butcher was confident he would retain his seat.

"It doesn't look like the Greens have made much of an inroad in Stroud Green. It's exciting times though and it's going to be a close fight for the council," he said.

Rebecca Kane, managing director of Ally Pally said: "One thing I can say is this is the people's palace and this is democracy in action.