The Conservatives have vowed to scrutinise the work of Barking and Dagenham Council despite failing to win any seats in last week’s election.

Peter Harris, Conservative candidate for Eastbrook ward, said the election result leaves the council “completely unchecked and unmonitored” because of a lack of opposition.

“We will obviously continue to challenge Labour where possible,” he added. “But it will be more difficult being outside the chamber.”

Conservative London Assembly member and Longbridge candidate Andrew Boff said the Conservatives would use Freedom of Information requests to shine a light on the council’s activities in the absense of a formal opposition.

“We will continue to campaign for a better use of residents’ money and a greater transparency in decision making through Freedom of Information requests,” he said.

He adeed that opposition “won’t come from the benches in the council so it will have to be from the streets”.