London’s latest electoral contest, held on Thursday, was in Barnet, where Labour – surprisingly successfully, despite unpromising circumstances – defended a seat in the marginal ward of Whetstone, an area where the party had never won before 2022. Whetstone is a compact ward stretching between the Barnet branch of the Northern line at Totteridge and Whetstone station and the main line northwards out of King’s Cross at Oakleigh Park.
**Unexpected Victory for Labour**
Labour managed to secure an unexpected victory in Whetstone, a ward that had never been seriously contested before. Despite the less than ideal circumstances, the party was able to defend its seat successfully, showing a strong presence in the area. The center of Whetstone is a stretch of the old Great North Road between North Finchley and Chipping Barnet, an area that has seen significant development over the years.
**Changing Demographics**
Whetstone is a typical outer London suburb, with a diverse population and a high percentage of owner-occupied homes. The area has a significant number of residents in the professions or management, along with a majority of individuals holding degree-level qualifications. The ward is predominantly white, with a mix of minority ethnicities, including a notable Jewish community.
**By-Election Drama**
The recent by-election in Whetstone was triggered by the sudden resignation of one of the councillors elected in the previous contest. The resignation of Liron Velleman, who had been a prominent figure in the Labour group, raised questions and drew comparisons to previous resignations in the area. The by-election saw eight candidates vying for the seat, with Labour’s Ezra Cohen emerging as the winner.
**Results and Implications**
Cohen managed to hold onto the seat, despite a decrease in the party’s vote share since the last election. The Conservatives, on the other hand, faced disappointment as their candidate, Tom Smith, came in second. The Reform party also made a notable showing, indicating a shifting political landscape in the area. The outcome of the by-election has implications for future contests in Barnet and beyond.
**Looking Ahead**
The borough elections in 2026 are expected to be a complex series of contests, with Barnet being a key battleground. The results in Whetstone signal a potential trend in the area, with Labour maintaining its position despite challenges. The upcoming elections will likely shed light on the evolving political dynamics in Barnet and the broader implications for the major parties.
Overall, the by-election in Whetstone highlighted the changing landscape of politics in the area and the challenges faced by both Labour and the Conservatives. The results point to a shifting voter sentiment and the need for parties to adapt to the evolving demands of the electorate. As the political scene continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how parties will navigate the changing tides in Barnet and beyond.
