The local elections are expected to be a litmus test of the nation’s broader political attitudes, especially because of the Labour government’s tumbling approval ratings.
But the votes for councillors and mayors will massively affect the electorate’s day-to-day lives – and the Enfield vote on 7 May is no exception.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the upcoming election…
Where is Enfield?
Enfield is London’s most northern borough, bordering Waltham Forest, Barnet and Haringey, as well as the counties of Hertfordshire and Essex.
Labour have held onto power since 2010 when they ended a 26-year Tory reign.
But this year polls suggest a closer, more marginal result off the back of the 2022 election when Labour saw a 5.3% dip in influence.
They retained control at 38 seats, but lost eight – and there was a notable swing towards the Conservatives who gained those eight seats to reach 25 overall.
What are the local issues?
As with many London boroughs, the cost of living remains a key concern for residents.
Yet it is felt more keenly in Enfield where projected population growth, house prices and school standards all sit below London averages.
The council have also faced recent backlash over their New Towns proposal, which could see homes built on protected Green Belt land at Crews Hill and Chase Park.
Enfield is one of London’s greener boroughs, with around 53% of its land classed as green space.
That is well above the London average, so threats to green spaces could play a deciding role.
Public health could sway voting intentions too following a mass measles outbreak in Enfield earlier this year.
There were more than 60 suspected cases of the disease, which mainly affects children and spread quickly due to low vaccination rates.
Who are the ones to watch?
This May is likely to be a more competitive race than previous years.
Labour is expected to cling on to 24% control with the Tories tailing at 21%, according to a YouGov poll.
The council could also become more fragmented as smaller parties chip away at projected vote shares, including the Liberal Democrats (14%), Reform (15%), Greens (21%) and Independent candidates (5%).
Since the 2022 elections, the political picture in Enfield has shifted slightly after two Labour councillors were suspended and another left the party, meaning there are now three independents on the council.
This included Labour’s Daniel Anderson, Derek Levy and Dinah Barry who said they could no longer work with council leader Nesil Caliskan.
Among the key figures is Tory group leader Alessandro Georgiou, who has served on the council since his first election in 2014.
He advocates for lower taxes and opposition to Green Belt development.
Labour candidates include Chris McCoy, who is known locally for his work for youth services, including a charity which runs one of the biggest youth centres in London, at Edmonton Green Shopping Centre.
For a full list of candidates standing in Enfield, visit the Who Can I Vote For website.
Interesting facts about Enfield
The borough has a population of 327,434 and blends dense urban centres with stretches of countryside.
Enfield Market, founded in 1303, is still in operation today, while the borough played a role in supplying water from Hertfordshire to London through the historic New River.
The world’s first cash machine was installed by Barclays Bank at their Enfield Town branch on 27 June 1967, with actor Reg Varney being the first person to make a withdrawal from it.
Enfield has also been home to icons such as Adele, Bruce Forsyth, John Keates and Amy Winehouse.
Featured image: Red Dot via UnSplash
Join the discussion