The most high-profile and radical groups seeking election to the City of London Corporation's council were mostly rebuffed yesterday, despite a campaign billed as the most hotly-contested in years. Even so, a quarter of the new council will be made up of first-time representatives.

There were contested elections in 21 of the City's 25 wards this year, reportedly a record high. Official turnout figures have yet to be released, but evidence suggests they were no higher than usual - about 20%. Both office workers and residents have a vote in City of London Corporation council elections.