Four years ago, life was very different in Barking & Dagenham LBC. It was perhaps at the forefront of the political disillusionment that has swept across the country when it saw a massive swing in the local election towards the British National Party (BNP).

A disillusioned working class population, with concerns over immigration and a housing crisis led to a protest vote in the borough – one which current leader, Darren Rodwell has attempted to turn around.