This week 30 years ago: Labour accused of ‘abandoning’ Islington council estates after increasing rent

Labour rebels accused colleagues of abandoning the party’s traditional supporters on Islington’s council estates, after they pushed through a £6 a week rent increase.

The hike, the equivalent of £15 today, came as the town hall faced a cash crisis.

In scenes Cllr Caroline Russell – Islington’s current sole opposition Green member – could only dream of today, 10 Labour members rebelled at a vote.

Though it was ultimately pushed through, rebel Cllr David Barnes said: “By approving these increases we are committing electoral suicide. The leadership is cynically off-loading the budget deficit onto the backs of the tenants.”

Meanwhile, a security guard was seriously injured after being shot by smash and grab raiders.

He was delivering cash to Lloyds Bank in Highgate Hill, Archway, when two men struck. Three shots were fired and one bullet went straight through the guard’s groin.