The former Hornsey and Wood Green MP becomes one of four MPs representing part of the borough of Barnet reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Labour MPs Catherine West and David Lammy — Catherine West (left) with Tottenham MP David Lammy

Catherine West became one of four MPs to represent part of the borough of Barnet as she won the newly-created Hornsey and Friern Barnet seat for the Labour Party.

The cross-borough constituency takes in Friern Barnet ward – previously part of the Chipping Barnet seat – along with most of the western part of the borough of Haringey.

West previously represented the now-abolished Hornsey and Wood Green constituency.

The result was announced at Alexandra Palace in the early hours of Friday morning after voting took place in the general election on Thursday (4th).

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service after her victory was announced, the Labour MP said her approach to the new constituency would be “similar” to the old one but getting to know local authorities in Barnet was “a bit more complex”.

She said: “I think the issues are similar, it’s housing. A lot of young people don’t necessarily share the same opportunities as in other parts of London, where incomes are higher.

“There’s inequality, some people are doing very well, they own their own home, and others are in temporary accommodation or struggling with the housing conditions they have.

“The other thing that will be a bit more complex is the fact that in Barnet they’ll be a whole new set of relationships, getting to know the officials there, getting to know the new situation.”

On the podium West described years of “chaos and confusion” the country had lived through under the previous 14 years of Tory government, and thanked Haringey Council for its “best efforts” along with the “hard working” mayor of London.

West also promised to tackle the “growing queues” outside foodbanks, advocate for people “trapped” in temporary accommodation, reduce waiting lists for mental health services and address the climate crisis.

The Greens and Liberal Democrats finished a distant second and third, respectively, while the Conservatives were even further back in fourth.

Hornsey and Friern Barnet full result

Catherine West, Labour: 28,535 votes, 58.7%

Fabio Vollono, Green: 7,060 votes, 14.5%

Dawn Barnes, Liberal Democrat: 6,099 votes, 12.5%

Naz Panju, Conservative: 4,011 votes, 8.2%

Dino Philippos, Workers Party: 766 votes, 1.6%

Helen Spiby-Vann, Christian Peoples Alliance: 182 votes, 0.4%

Turnout: 70%

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