Commenting on the blocking of plans for the redevelopment of historic Alexandra Palace by a High Court judge, local MP Lynne Featherstone said:

“This has brought shame on the Labour councillors running Alexandra Palace. All along, they have refused to listen and shown their contempt for the entire process.

“As the Liberal Democrats warned Haringey Labour at the council meeting in July, there are so many unanswered questions about this lease, it truly beggars belief that anyone can have thought the consultation was adequate.

“And when it comes to the historic TV studios, Labour has shown their contempt for a piece of local heritage that is of worldwide importance. How could gutting of the birthplace of television even be a possibility?”

“The interests of Alexandra Palace, the charity, and local people were simply never on Labour’s agenda – and they have paid the price today.”

Lib Dem Leader Neil Williams, who along with colleagues raised serious concerns about the process, both with the Charity Commission and at Haringey’s full council meeting in July, adds:

“With a much-loved building whose legal purpose is charitable, you simply cannot leave such gaping black holes in a bodged attempt to get rid of a historic building at a knock-down price. This is typical Labour arrogance. They have overextended themselves and paid dearly.

“Haringey were advised more five years ago to seek a Court ruling on what could be done with the Palace.They have always refused to do so, in a brazen attempt to carry on doing as they liked. They thought they could get away with it. They have been proved wrong.

In the teeth of such a calamity, the Chair of the Board must surely resign. All the Labour councillors involved, who have acted like sheep at every stage of this process, should consider their position as well.”