The Labour candidate for City and East London, John Biggs, has retained his seat on the Greater London Assembly for a third time.

The consituency includes Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Tower Hamlets and the City of London.

First elected to the Assembly in 2000, this will be Mr Biggs’ 12th year in the position but he says that he is still touched by the support of people in the City of London and the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Barking & Dagenham.

Mr Biggs said: “I am overwhelmed by the support that people in east London have shown.”

After a comfortable win, Mr Biggs highlighted the dangers becoming a “polarised city” between the rich and poor and spoke about what needs to be done for residents in boroughs of great upheaval and Olympic regeneration.

He added: “The thing is with the Olympics is that it was always said that it would be a great thing for east London but it would also be a great catalyst for upheaval and change and this government have a real opportunity to fudge that.

“Whoever the Mayor is, we need to work hard to hold them accountable for that because they are a Mayor for all Londoners and I will make sure that he listens to our needs.

“I am humbled by the level of support that local people have shown me in east London. I am sure that people vote for parties but I also like to think that people have got to know me over the years and the hard work that I’ve done.”