The ward has been a Labour stronghold for many years and is likely to remain so after May 3.

Councillor Bob Carden, bearer of a famous surname in the city's history, has represented North Portslade for 16 years and hopes to make it 20.

He rose to prominence opposing the Brighton bypass more than two decades ago and is a nature enthusiast.

Another veteran Labour councillor, Don Turner, head of housing, is standing down and making way for nurse Nicole Murphy, who is also vying to become Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion once MP David Lepper retires.

Coun Carden said he had worked hard for residents and the city council had poured millions of pounds into nearby schools.

The Tories received 1,000 fewer votes than Labour last time but Conservative candidate Theo Brake-Child said he and running mate Trevor Alford were hopeful the deficit could be overturned.

Mr Brake-Child said people he had spoken to on the doorstep were calling for a fresh start.

The Liberal Democrats are represented by Neville Searle and Coreen Sears, and the Greens by Anthony and Janette Ackroyd. The ward did fall to the Tories for a very brief period 30 years ago but it would be a huge upset if history repeated itself next month.