Merton election: Labour hold – but leader loses seat

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

A third recount in one ward and the shock defeat of the council leader in Merton couldn’t stop Labour retaining control of the authority for another four years.

Most of the ward results came in early on Friday morning, however Lower Morden ward required several recounts, with the third scheduled to take place at 2pm.

But by that point Labour had secured its majority, winning 29 of the 57 seats up for grabs, despite its incumbent council leader Mark Allison losing his seat to Liberal Democrat Kirsten Galea.

She was one of 17 Lib Dems to secure a seat, marking a strong performance from the party which gives them some clout as the biggest group in opposition.

It came at the expense of the Conservative Party, which took a pasting – winning just six seats, having held 17 the previous day.

Merton Park Ward Independent Residents won the two seats up for grabs in their ward after one seat was lost in a boundary review.

The boundary review means most wards in the borough have slightly changed, and the council now has a total of 57 councillors, a reduction of three seats.

Merton Lib Dems wrote on Twitter on Friday: “Thanks to all the people of Merton who gave their support to the Liberal Democrats yesterday.

“Your new Liberal Democrats will work tirelessly to repay the trust you have put in us, and give you the fresh start you deserve.”

For five months there was an empty seat on the council following the resignation of Labour councillor Tobin Byers.

One of the big issues in the borough in the lead up to the election was the condition of social housing.

Three estates managed by housing association Clarion are set to be demolished as part of the £1billion Merton regeneration project designed to improve housing in the borough.

But in recent months, shocking living conditions on the three estates have been exposed.

Pictured top: Merton council’s offices