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