City Hall Desk

Supporters of Brian Coleman spoke of the "overwhelming" support amongst local Conservative party members, in last nights decision to re-elect the controversial Conservative politician to stand in the 2012 London Assembly elections.  Coleman will contest the Barnet and Camden seat in the 2011 elections, and will according to local party workers campaign "tirelessly" to retain his seat.

Courting controversy Coleman the Chairman of the London Fire Brigades Authority described his feelings towards the Fire Birgades Union in an interview to the Ham & High:

"They are a thoroughly unpleasant and nasty lot – they always have been. They are not affiliated with the Labour Party and the stories about bullying and intimidation go right back to the strike in the late 70s. You just have to stand up to thugs and bullies. The vast majority of fire-fighters are entirely, on a one-to-one level, decent and pleasant individuals."

Local party members in Barnet last night gave Brian Coleman their full support with one senior member stating that "Brian has said some bitter truths in the past, and I am sure he will do the same in the future.  If we want "drones" to represent us then we should all just give up.  I support Brian Coleman and so do the majority of me colleagues".

Brian Coleman is likely to face a robust campaign to be re-elected on the London Assembly, with strong "battles" in Camden, an area Labour are believed to be particularly keen to win.

photo credit:  London Daily News Copyright Brian Coleman Mayor inauguration