Thursday, June 04, 2015

West Ham Ward Councillor report

This is the report (below) I presented at tonight's West Ham Ward monthly meeting.

After the Q&A we then had a fascinating debate about the General election result and the future direction of the Labour Party.

Afterwards some of us went to a joint ward informal social with comrades from Forest Gate North and South at Nando's in Stratford.

Ward meeting 4 June 2015 

"Due to the general election we have not met for some time. During the election campaign I was the Agent for our Parliamentary candidate, Lyn Brown and for our CLP Chair, Charlene McLean, who was the Labour candidate for the by-election in Stratford and New Town.

We were of course devastated by the result of the General election and a possible 5 more years of Tory rule. However, Lyn did manage to increase her majority by 5.7% and Charlene was also re-elected with the biggest vote ever for a Newham Councillor.

Many West Ham activists also played an important role in overturning a 5000 tory majority in Ilford North. We are also currently working in Tower Hamlets for the election of John Biggs AM as elected Mayor which will take place next Thursday June 11.

As Agent I am currently finishing off the Parliamentary and By-election expenses.

Last week we had an all members meeting for the selection of a Labour Candidate for London Mayor 2017. At that meeting, in my personal capacity, I seconded the nomination of Sadiq Khan and spoke in favour of him.

 Due to the election many Council and forum meetings have been cancelled. However, I have attended a number of meetings including the Council AGM and attended Housing Residents Scrutiny where I was able to get it agreed that Council officers should attend meetings of local Tenant Resident Associations if there is a special issue. I am trying to help organise such a meeting for Leather Gardens TRA.

I have continued to carry out regular surgery and respond to complaints. Housing, ASB and Parking remain the top 3 topics. Next month I will resume making a full written Councillor report to the ward.

Councillor John Gray. 

No comments: