Two Islington councillors left the town hall’s ruling Labour group in a blazing row over rent and rate increases.

Margaret Hodge’s councillors approved two £3 rent hikes over the financial year.

Leaders blocked moves by rebel Labour members to debate the proposal, leading Cllrs Dave Barnes and Diana Coles to quit.

“They’ve treated us outrageously,” Cllr Barnes said.

Meanwhile, licensing chiefs imposed a curfew on late-night drinking club Reillys in Westbourne Road, Holloway.

Islington Council ordered it to close at 1am rather than 2am after noise complaints.

Furious owner John Reilly said he would appeal: “This has been my livelihood for the last 12 years.”

In other news, EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Beale in the soap) delighted fans Phyllis Cullen and Kay Carroll when she hosted bingo at the Top Rank Club in Caledonian Road.