Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn visited Harrow at the weekend, where he urged voters to return a Labour council in the upcoming local elections.

Speaking in Kenton, he paid tribute to Harrow Council, which, save for a six-month period, has been under Labour control since 2010.

He said it was important, at these local elections, to show Theresa May and her Government that people are ready for change at a national level.

“It’s preparation for the kind of country we want to be. Do we have to accept the growing inequality in our society?” he said.

“It’s absolutely crucial. It’s about winning councils across London and sending a message to this Tory government about how our society is.”

Referencing the recent Windrush scandal, the 68-year-old recalled signs seen across north London, including Harrow, threatening immigrants with deportation.

He said he would continue to challenge Mrs May on the subject and attacked the vision outlined by Enoch Powell in his ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech 50 years ago.

“What he was saying was nasty, dangerous, divisive stuff and, as a country we have moved on, and we are together,” he said.

“I am pleased to live in a diverse community and be in a party that represents all sections of our community.”

Harrow Labour has been criticised in some quarters over its housing policy over the past eight years.

Despite research suggesting its affordable housing record is among the worst in London, the current administration has defended its commitment to tackling the crisis.

It was a view shared by Mr Corbyn, who said a Labour government would build a million homes – 500,000 of which would be council homes – and regulate the private renting market.

“Our priority is housing all of the people, not letting people make money off our housing crisis. We can’t short change the next generation of children,” he said.

In a similar vein, he highlighted the proposed National Education Service, which he said would give everyone access to education and instil a sense of parity for learning.

“The legacy of the next Labour government will be the equivalent of the legacy of that wonderful government of 1945-51,” he said.

“Their legacy was the National Health Service; free at the point of delivery, as a human right. Education is a human right as well.”

In the run up to the elections, Harrow Conservatives have largely steered clear of criticising Mr Corbyn or the Labour Party at a national level.

But leader Cllr Paul Osborn believes it has failed in Harrow over the past few years and has vowed to make “positive changes” if elected.

He said: “We have been listening to local people and we know what needs to be fixed.

“When I became leader of the Conservative Group I promised to set out a positive vision for Harrow.

“Our [election] pledges are designed to make life better for Harrow residents, they set out clearly what we intend to do and are all achievable.”

Their plans include increased free parking and reduced waste collection charges, as well as a stronger police presence in the borough and a more coordinated approach to tackling fly-tipping.

And on housing, Cllr Osborn has suggested a move towards building a lower density of homes but ensuring that they go to Harrow residents.