Bucking the national trend, Labour took control of Enfield Council from the Conservatives.

And among the Labour victors was new councillor Derek Levy in Southbury, whose tally of 2,446 saw off the closest Tory candidate by 80 votes.

For Tory councillor and Jewish Care worker Jon Kaye, the Enfield result was not the only unwelcome election surprise. Posting a leaflet through a letterbox, his finger was bitten by a dog. "A Labour supporting dog," he reflected, "but it was a shock".

Retaining Enfield's Highlands seat, Councillor Kaye, 54, increased his majority by 1,373, polling 4,073 - "the most votes of any councillor in Enfield". He was assisted in his campaigning by his sons, Ben, 17, and Daniel, 14, both Haberdashers' pupils.

Injury in the line of duty was also sustained by Conservate Councillor Ann Zinkin, 59, returned for her third term in Southgate Green ward. Out canvassing, she fell over but did not go to hospital for four days "until the pain got so bad". An x-ray revealed a sprain. She said the loss of the council was a "huge disappointment. We had looked out for children and the parks. This is a good environment. People don't understand what the council delivers."

Lionel Zetter was another victorious Jewish candidate in the north London suburb, holding his seat for Cockfosters.