Currently split between Kingston's sole remaining Labour councillor, an independent and a Liberal Democrat, Norbiton could prove crucial in the battle to control Kingston Council.
The ward has the highest level of deprivation in the borough, and includes the Cambridge Road estate and Kingstonian FC's ground, but also Tiffin Boys' and Kingston Grammar schools.
Previously considered a Labour stronghold, voters elected Lib Dem Penny Shelton as well as veteran Labour councillor Steve Mama and former parliamentary candidate Sheila Griffin in 2006. Councillor Griffin later left the party after falling out with her colleague.
Labour are fighting hard to retain a presence on Kingston Council and are campaigning on housing issues, but risk being squeezed by Lib Dem appeals for Labour supporters to vote tactically.
The ward could also be crucial for Lib Dems fortunes, for whom gaining the two other seats could off-set losses if the Conservatives stage a revival in the rest of the borough.
Last time the Conservatives trailed the Lib Dems by around 400 votes, but the wildcard in the race is Coun Griffin, who is standing again but this time as an independent.
Candidates for 2010
Susanna Bellino - Labour
Leslie Blake - Conservative
Stephen Brister - Liberal Democrat
Romana Chohan - Conservative
Sheila Griffin - Independent
Martin Hall - Green
Steve Mama - Labour
David Ryder-Mills - Liberal Democrat
Penny Shelton - Liberal Democrat
Stella Simpson - Labour
Liu Yang - Conservative
WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME IN 2006?
Turnout 43.54%
BAMFORD David St John Liberal Democrat Focus Team 788
BLAKE Leslie Conservative Party Candidate 463
COX Jane Olivia Conservative Party Candidate 410
FRENCH Gavin Neil Conservative Party Candidate 401
GRIFFIN Sheila Betty The Labour Party Candidate 944 ELECTED
HALL Martin Andrew Green Party 316
MAMA Steven The Labour Party Candidate 971 ELECTED
PARROTT Nicholas James known as NICK The Labour Party Candidate 914
SHELTON Penelope Anne Liberal Democrat Focus Team 925 ELECTED
TILLEY Rosemary Susan Liberal Democrat Focus Team 805
To see a rundown of who is running for Kingston Council in the other wards visit Kingston Council Elections 2010
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