This year’s local elections saw no change of political parties across Waltham Forest or Redbridge but a new role for one Waltham Forest councillor.

All three councillor by-elections and the London Assembly race in each borough went either to the same political party or, in one case, to the incumbent.

In Redbridge, there were by-elections after the death of Seven Kings councillor Stuart Bellwood and after Cllr Chaudhary Mohammed (Loxford) was convicted of electoral fraud. Both were held by Labour candidates.

Seven Kings is now represented by Cllr Pushpita Gupta, while Loxford is represented by Cllr Sahdia Warraich.

Read more: Who are the new members of the London Assembly?

Cllr Gupta told the Local Democracy Reporting Service prior to the election that she wants to “work closely with the police” and “push for fairer deals for those renting”.

Responding to her victory, she said: "It’s a huge honour to be elected as a councillor for Seven Kings and I can’t wait to get started.

"Labour has already delivered for Redbridge since winning the council in 2014 and I’m looking forward to playing my part to make sure that record continues.

"Residents can count on me to be a constant advocate for our community. We spoke to over 4,000 residents in Seven Kings over the course of my campaign and I’ll keep up that engagement with residents as their councillor too."

Cllr Warraich promised to “help rebuild people's lives a year on after the pandemic” by focusing on services for young people, isolated residents and employment and training.

Following her victory, she said: "Being given the chance to represent Loxford residents on the council is a huge responsibility, and I’m incredibly grateful to local residents who have given me that opportunity.

"We ran a hard fought campaign and knocked on every door in the ward, and residents were as clear on the doorstep as they were at the ballot box: they’re happy with the progress our fantastic council has made, but are eager for us to keep making our borough better."

 

 

The Waltham Forest councillor vacancy, created by the death of Conservative councillor Geoff Walker (Hatch Lane), went to the Conservatives' Justin Halabi.

Responding to news of his win, Cllr Halabi said: “It is an honour to be elected as the councillor for Hatch Lane ward.

“To all of those who voted against overdevelopment, voted Conservative, and voted for Justin Halabi - I appreciate it more than I can describe.

“Together, we will make a difference in Chingford and Highams Park.”

Read more: Architects criticise Waltham Forest Council in open letter

The London Assembly constituency of Havering and Redbridge chose to re-elect Conservative Keith Prince, increasing his majority from 38 to 47 per cent of the vote.

The North East constituency, which includes Waltham Forest, Hackney and Islington, remains staunchly Labour, although Jennette Arnold has been succeeded by Sem Moema.

Cllr Emma Best, new deputy leader of Waltham Forest Conservatives, is now a London-wide London Assembly member, despite receiving less than a fifth of votes in her own constituency.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It is a true honour to be elected as a voice for London on the Assembly.

"During the campaign, and as a councillor in Waltham Forest, I’ve spoken to hundreds of residents concerned about opportunities for young people, overdevelopment and the increasing cost of living.

"I’ll be speaking up for better early intervention, appropriate & truly affordable housing and for a halt to the ill-conceived expansion of the ULEZ.

"Some pundits may have written the Conservatives off in London but this election showed that there is great and growing support for our party. I look forward to working hard for every single Londoner.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @ELondonGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Waltham Forest and Redbridge.