Brent East is an area of the capital bursting with diversity - over 40 different languages, a kaleidoscope of religions, home of the most spectacular Hindu Temple in the UK and an ethnic minority population that nears 45%.
This seat has become well known due to its famous sitting MP, and newly elected London Mayor, Ken Livingstone. He won this seat in 1997 with a sizeable majority, and a ratio of nearly 3 Labour votes to every Conservative vote.
When Mr Livingstone first won the seat in 1987, he scraped to victory over Conservative candidate Harriet Crawley, with 1,653 votes.
Brent East has been dubbed “Bent” in the past by Private Eye magazine, based on what some might describe as the “colourful” politics of the borough - which have been troubled and have had more than a hint of scandal.
Mr Livingstone will not be seeking re-election. The process of picking a Labour replacement to stand at the next general election was fraught with controversy.
Local race relations activists were angered at the selection of white local council leader Paul Daisley, despite the high percentage of ethnic minorities in the area.
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