Bromley has been controlled by a Conservative council for decades but will Partygate sway voters in the local elections this May?
In Greater London’s largest borough, there are 58 councillor seats up for grabs across 22 wards, with the Conservatives winning 50 of the 60 seats up for grabs last time.
Local issues which have ruffled feathers recently include overdevelopment, park events and climate-change resiliency.
A development plan to build a 20-story tower block accommodating 990 flats in Orpington provoked hundreds to take to the streets in protest earlier this year.
Despite developer Areli claiming it would “breath new life” into Orpington, bringing 2,500 construction and 600 permanent jobs, residents felt their quiet neighbourhood would be morphed into something resembling Canary Wharf if it went ahead.
However, five of the six candidates standing in Orpington opposed the plans in their current form.
Outdoor music events have also created tension recent years with noise and human waste complaints from residents near Croydon Road Recreation Ground being common throughout the summer period.
Since the last elections ward boundaries have changed slightly and the number of councillor seats across Bromley has been reduced by two.
Most wards have three councillor-seats, but there are six wards with two, and one ward with just one seat.
Conservative election promises include improving road safety, tackling litter, funding green projects and improving rail services.
Labour’s campaign has centred around safer streets with more cycle paths and school walking routes, tackling fly-tipping and monitoring air quality.
Whilst the Liberal Democrats have focused on road safety, a reintroduction of the Beckenham Junction to Blackfriars service, cleaner air and a promise to prioritise park-goer’ interests when considering commercial outdoor events.
Finally, the Greens pledge to improve air quality, reduce waste, improve road safety and they have an ambition to get better bus services and flat train fares across London.
In 2018 there was a 40% voter turnout with eight seats won by Labour and two by independents, with the Conservatives receiving 44.1% of the overall votes.
Bromley is considered a Tory stronghold but the question remains as to whether the Downing Street parties threaten to unravel the local Conservative authority in next week’s elections.
Find your local Bromley polling station here.
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