Although we – the Conservative candidates – did not win in Wanstead at the Local Elections, we wanted to publicly thank all those who voted for and worked for us.

It was a close-run thing with Scott Wilding only losing by 10 votes.

We also wanted to take this opportunity to public congratulate the winning Labour candidates.

The overall campaign by all parties was clean and positive. Unlike other parts of London, or other campaigns, all candidates focused on issues not personalities.

And in modern politics this has, sadly, become rare. This was a positive, issue-focused campaign from all parties - at least in Wanstead and Woodford.

The Conservatives secured just 12 seats on Redbridge Council and London has become overwhelmingly Labour.

Whatever your views, an effective and robust opposition is a good thing for democracy.

That now lies more than ever in the hands of the people. Labour may be riding high, but now the real work begins and that’s much more difficult than any campaign.

Patrick Bennett, Michelle Dunn, Richard Kays, Scott Wilding and Steve Wilks