Saturday Labour doorstep in Plaistow South By election

 

Picture college from yesterday's doorstep in the Plaistow South By Election campaign with our candidate Ash and local party activists. 

There was 3 teams out and the result was pretty positive. On one occasion I had some robust conversations with two residents, who had been totally taken in by Reform propaganda and hopefully they will reflect on our exchange. However, we have to deal nationally and locally with the underlying economic causes that such populist extremist parties thrive upon. 

Overhaul it went well and Ash is excellent at both listening and engaging with residents. A rare gift for someone standing for political office! 

Some beautiful gardens in the ward. 

You cannot insure your car after a car accident

 

Many thanks to our UNISON Northamptonshire Police and Fire branch for this advice. One of the hardest things I have to do as a Union rep is to refuse representation for those who only join when they have an existing problem. 

If you work for any form of public services - https://join.unison.org.uk/. 

If you don't -  check out who https://www.tuc.org.uk/joinunion

West Hampstead By Election Day

 

This evening I went to help out with the by election in West Hampstead, Camden. Until relatively recently, I used to work in Camden as a housing officer, specialising in complex tenancy issues and ASB. Despite dealing with some very tricky and difficult issues I am very fond of Camden. 

I was sent out with a group of five to "knock up" voters and remind them to go out and vote. I was with a really excellent team and enjoyed talking to residents and exploring a part of Camden that I didn't really know. 

My first call was to a women who told me she had voted. Her family were about on the doorstep and teased me that they were "all Corbyn voters" but she winked and said she had voted Labour. 

The next call was in a small block of flats and the resident told me that he had always voted Labour in gratitude to the Blair government who saved the life of his family in a conflict zone.. However, he had a dispute with the Council over disrepair and service charges and would not be voting for anyone on this occasion. He insisted that I come into his flat to see signs of water damage in his ceiling (now resolved). I said that I hoped we earn his trust at the next election. He said he would vote Labour again. 

I was waiting outside an communal entry door pressing buttons to contact named residents when a women came out and when I asked her if she had voted she replied she was an opponent of Labour and was going to be representing her party at the election count. 

Oddly, a young couple passed by with a beautiful cat on a lead. The cat seemed fine walking along the street. I called out to them what a lovely cat and joked if it was going to vote Labour? The couple confirmed that it would. 

There were a large number of purpose built and converted flats in the ward, which is always very frustrating to canvass. Often the address details on the election register is inaccurate and many intercom systems appear to be not working. 

I could not stay very long but fingers crossed for the Labour candidate Francesca in the forthcoming Count. 

(and hopefully Camden and other members will be able to assist Newham in our own by election in Plaistow South on September 18)

UPDATE. Sadly Francesca did not win on this occasion but well done to her and the Camden team for a great effort. 

Labour teams about to set off in Plaistow South

 

Great picture from last night as Labour activists set off to campaign in Plaistow South with our By Election candidate, Asheen Singh (date of by election Thursday 18 September). I was running the "door step" app in a team with Ash and long standing Labour supporter (and former Councillor) John Saunders (on right of photo). It was good to see him, out and about, supporting Labour despite recent health concerns. 

Today there is a by election in Camden - check out https://events.labour.org.uk/ if you can help out

Crossthwaite Common, Rake Gill and Holwick Walk: Is this really an overcrowded Island?

 

Off message. Just been sorting out photos from recent holiday in Country Durham and created college from a tough but magnificent 9.5 mile circular solo walk, I did starting from Middleton-in-Teesdale. This was an orange Pathfinder walk. 

The weather going up was damp and very, very windy. I saw 2 other walkers while going along the Pennine way path, then when I left it for the moors, I saw no other person at all for over 3 hours, until I came down the other side.  I got lost a couple of times since the paths were often unclear but it was a fantastic walk.  It ended in sunshine, while I returned by the river to Middleton. Again, hardly a soul to be seen. 

Emergency Alerts Test on Sunday 7 Sept at 3pm

 

UK government will test the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 Sept at 3pm. You will not need to take any action.   More http://gov.uk/alerts  Domestic abuse survivors may wish to turn off alerts https://ow.ly/NPKP50Wzxn6

"On the Knocker" at Plaistow South

 

Tonight I met up again with our by election candidate Asheem and other activists including the Newham Labour Mayor Candidate 2026, Forhad Hussain.

The canvass went well and although I was mostly helping to "run the board" (directing activists to call on particularly addresses and recording responses and case work) on the doors I actually knocked upon and spoke to people, the reaction was pretty good. 

Some disappointment at some of the decisions of the Labour Government but a recognition of the mess that the previous Government had left the country in and that Labour should be judged on what it achieves in a full term and not just one year. 

Re-elect Christina McAnea as UNISON General Secretary

 

Just made donation to her re-election campaign as our GS. 

Check out https://votechristina.org.uk/

Plaistow South By Election

 

I was out this evening to support our Labour candidate, Asheem Singh in the Plaistow South By Election. The by election has come about due to the sad death of Cllr Neil Wilson earlier this month. I had know Neil for many years and he was a hard working Councillor and Cabinet member for Health. He and I also shared similar views on the importance of social economic class in Labour politics. 

The by election is on September 18th. The candidate Ash is excellent "on the doorstep" with residents and will make a great Councillor.  He has been a keen local campaigner and activist.  

View from my seat - High Cup Nick

 

I came back Saturday from a fortnight holiday in the Pennines walking and sightseeing with Gill. Picture is from a solo "there and back" 8 mile walk along the Pennine way from Dufton to High Cup Nick. A fantastic walk with superb views. 

Off message but love this picture.

Check out Pathfinder Guide 39. Orange Walk 26. https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/durham-north-pennines-and-tyne-wear-pathfinder-walks-guidebook/