• IT’S vital we have a solid Labour majority after the council elections in May. If Labour loses its majority there would be more redevelopment and gentrification, forcing out local people to build luxury homes.

Many leaseholders, council and housing association tenants would be kicked out of Islington by social cleansing. “Pay to stay” for council tenants could be imposed as it’s still on the statute books.

This would mean a household with combined earnings of £40,000 would be liable to pay private market rents. The average price for a three-bed flat in Islington is £732 a week. This would be disastrous for thousands of council tenants who would be forced out or made homeless.

Labour has pledged not to implement “pay to stay” and has opposed gentrification. The council has opposed many awful central government proposals. We need to keep Labour in or another party would mainly encourage draconian government policies.

I respect Green Party members’ views, but if you are a Green supporter, please don’t waste your vote. By splitting the vote you might unwittingly be allowing Lib Dem councillors to be elected. Lib Dems propped up the Tories between 2010 and 2015, backing austerity and university tuition fees. Let’s keep them out. Vote Labour.

MARK STILL
N5