Three independent candidates will challenge the Tory dominance of Kensington & Chelsea council at borough elections next Thursday.
They are standing to fight what they claim is the council’s lax attitude to new developments — and will contest the seat of former council leader Sir Merrick Cockell, who is chair of the Local Government Association.
Celebrity hairdresser Heinz Schumi said: “I want to preserve amenities and public services, but we all feel let down by this Conservative council which refuses to listen to the views of their electorate.”
He blames the council for giving his landlord permission to convert his premises, a shop since 1810, into flats — forcing him to move out.
The other candidates are Andrew Barshall, who rose to fame 10 years ago for tackling an armed robber at Brinkley’s restaurant in Chelsea, and Ian Henderson, who is fighting to save the Sutton Estate. They are backed by style guru Stephen Bayley, who lives in the borough.
