Newham Greens Leader & Mayor candidate - "categorically untrue, baseless and libellous comments...gutter politics"

 

The hypocrisy of the Newham Green leader and its so called Mayoral Candidate over their "untrue, baseless and libellous comments" against the Labour Candidate, Forhad Hussain, is frankly, pretty sick. I personally hope that the Police, the Election Commission and the Civil courts take action about their descent to vile gutter politics. 

Red Sky in West Ham

 

While out with our Labour action team colleagues this evening (Thursday) in West Ham ward, delivering local community leaflets we enjoyed a fantastic red sky sunset. Shepherds Delight....?

UNISON NEC pre 8.4.26

 

On Tuesday evening, after an earlier meeting of the UNISON National Executive Council (NEC) Policy Development & Campaigns Sub-Committee (PDCC), we gathered at the UNISON headquarters for a bit of gossip and chat. Some of us then headed to a local curry restaurant for a meal. 

The following day was the full-day NEC meeting, which turned out to be a very strange yet interesting experience that I’ll share more about once I’ve had time to recover!

Easter Weekend leafleting & Canvassing in West Ham

This Easter Weekend, the West Ham Labour team took part in a number of different religious, family and  campaigning activities. 

We delivered leaflets only during Easter Friday and Sunday but were out knocking on doors on Saturday and today (Monday) while carrying out street surgeries. 

I had to deal with some election office admin issues this morning and in the afternoon while waiting for comrades  to join me for the street surgery, I had to ring 999 for the Police to attend to an ASB incident nearby. The Police did attend very quickly and "addressed" the issue but I will be contacting them and the Council enforcement officers about the response. 

The street surgery went really well with lots of people in doors and willing to talk about problems regarding housing applications, disrepair, safety and communal works improvements.  The Council election is now a month away from tomorrow - so a busy, busy time ahead. 

UNISON SGE election 2026 recommendations: Yorkshire & Humber Candidates

Some recommendations from comrades in Yorkshire & Humber but Wayne is a top grass roots UNISON Community steward in my national employer and Kerri is his branch secretary and given him loads of support. 

UNISON Service Group Elections 2026 - Regional Heath (& Greater London)

 

Trusted colleagues from UNISON Health Service Group have asked me to share recommendations for the biannual Service Group Executive (SGE) elections, which should have been sent out on Wednesday 1 April by email or to members’ home addresses. 

These elections are important, so please take time to read the election statements and consider the endorsements from UNISON rank-and-file health activists who are committed to working hard, fighting for members in the NHS, and putting their interests first. 

Greater London health members should also keep in mind Chris, Julie, and Paula (apologies for leaving Paula off the earlier list). I will share more recommendations from activists on other service groups soon.

UNISON win at St George's and Epsom & St Helier Hospital

 

UNISON WIN

Healthcare assistants at St George’s Hospital, Epsom Hospital and St Helier Hospital, have secured a significant pay victory after voting to accept an offer from their employers

For more information about the campaign visit london.unison.org.uk

#healthcareassistants #strike

"On the knocker" next to West Ham Park

 

This canvass took place last Saturday, a week ago, during a street surgery next to West Ham Park. We had plenty of positive conversations with residents and noted some concerns about ASB and complex neighbour disputes. Some beautiful blossom in trees. 

Everyone was very friendly, and residents were glad to see an active Labour action team knocking on doors, asking about local West Ham issues and how best to address them.

Albury & Patmore Heath Walk, Herts

 

Off-topic, but Gill and I enjoyed a lovely circular 5.38-mile walk in Hertfordshire earlier this month (we also did it a couple of years ago).

The route starts and finishes at Patmore Heath, a rare example of acid grass heathland in South East England. We managed to get lost a couple of times, but it was well worth it for the great views, peaceful surroundings, and gently rolling countryside. Along the way there are historic churches, thatched cottages, and even a few Tudor mansions.

It was a little muddy after the recent rain, but honestly, what’s not to like?

The route is available via the OS/Country Walking app. Recommend OS but you may have to pay to subscribe.

More photos coming soon on Facebook 📸

A Full Labour Movement Family Day

 

Today was one of those days that reminds me why I’m proud to be part of our Labour and Co‑operative Movement family.

🏛️ Morning: Community First

I started with my Labour & Co‑op Councillor Surgery at the newly refurbished Vicarage Lane Community Centre. It’s looking fantastic — bright, welcoming, and nearly ready for bookings. I’ll share more on that soon.

From there, I joined Adjoa for a positive canvass in the ward. My very first conversation was with someone previously marked “Against” Labour who now rated herself a 10/10 Labour voter. A reminder that people do change their minds — especially when they feel listened to. There was also some complex casework involving long‑running neighbour disputes, the kind of issues that really test patience and persistence.

🚲 Cycling, Chance Meetings & The Together March

I cycled to Stratford, enjoying the newly resurfaced stretch from Stratford Park to the L&Q HQ — smooth tarmac and clear cycle markings make such a difference.

On the Central line I bumped into Stella Creasy MP, and we had a good chat before the inevitable photo outside with Forhad Hussain, our Newham Mayoral candidate, and Cllr Sabia Kamali.

I joined the UNISON bloc on the Together March and helped carry the Greater London banner. Not heavy — but the wind certainly tried its best.

The march itself was inspiring. I understand the police estimate around 500,000 people came together to say clearly and proudly that whatever our differences, we stand united against racism, bigotry, and far‑right extremism.

One moment that meant a lot to me: I asked for a photo beside a placard reminding us that our grandfathers fought the far right in the Second World War. The woman holding it told me her grandfather landed on D‑Day and helped liberate Bergen‑Belsen.

Both my grandfathers also served in the war and fought against Nazism — something I carry with real pride.

There was a tiny minority who seemed to think “togetherness” only applied on their terms, but thankfully they were ignored by the overwhelming majority who understood the spirit of the day.

🚆 Back to Newham: Canvassing, Conversations & A Big Belly Breakfast

I left the march at Piccadilly Circus to head back for a Little Ilford canvass. On the train I ran into Chris, former secretary of my UNISON branch — another nice moment in a day full of them.

Before canvassing, I stopped at the Plaistow Café for their famous Big Belly Breakfast — my first meal of the day and very much needed.

The 4pm canvass in Little Ilford went well. More positive conversations, and it was great to see candidate Sharon Shawda, full of energy and determination, speaking to every resident she could. (For more on Sharon’s work, see my post: https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2026/02/newham-for-newcomers-by-sharon-chawda.html .)