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Many thanks to our ace local canvasser Varghese for all his support. I will be highlighting supporters to acknowledge their huge contributions.
He was an active UNISON LAS rep and Labour Link Officer and will always be a hammer for workers’ rights. He’s also a Labour councillor, having won a safe Conservative seat on his local Herts Council.
We started at the UNISON Centre in Camden, then went on a mini tour of local and East End pubs before finishing with a meal at the Lahore Kebab House.
Best wishes to Pete and his wife for his well deserved retirement and all their upcoming travel adventures.
I first met Angela many years ago at our UNISON conference when she was a young member but already a leading UNISON trade union rep and activist.
I’m looking forward to hearing her address the UNISON National Delegate Conference this year on the Labour Employment Rights Act, which is the greatest advance in workers’ rights in this country for 60 years, and one she has undoubtedly been one of the strongest supporters of.
Although it’s about 50 metres outside the official West Ham ward boundaries, many of our residents and their families use the centre, but we also checked in with our Forest Gate South colleagues beforehand.
We were welcomed to observe prayers, after which each of us was invited to speak for a minute and introduce ourselves.
It was inspiring to witness first-hand the deep spiritual side of Islam, something too rarely shown in mainstream UK media.
Afterwards, we enjoyed conversations with Mosque members and trustees.
We’re open and eager to visit all other faith groups in and around our ward.
A special thanks to Pervez Qureshi, Labour Candidate in Plaistow North (third from right), for helping arrange the visit.
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We’ve been out knocking on doors in West Ham ward, chatting with residents about their issues, concerns, and how we can help.
Not long after this photo was taken, the rain began, and I quickly regretted leaving my umbrella at home.
Today was one of those days that reminds me why I love campaigning in Newham — full of energy, purpose, and real conversations with residents.
The morning began in Royal Victoria, leafletting with Cllr Steve Brayshaw. On the cycle over, I saw something I haven’t witnessed in a long time: a large-scale Traffic Police speeding and vehicle check operation. A proper, visible enforcement presence — and frankly, well done to them.
From there I cycled to West Ham for a canvass with fellow candidates Adjoa and Sam, our activists, and James Asser MP.
Fresh from completing the nomination process at the Newham elections office, I was proudly wearing my Labour & Co‑operative Party rosette for the first time.
We were joined by two brilliant activists from Harrow who are aiming to visit all 32 London boroughs during the campaign — we were number 21 on their list. I’ll share their write‑up when it’s published.
A quick Greggs sandwich kept me going.
One highlight was speaking with a former Newham Labour Councillor and trade unionist whose Jewish family had been proud champions of the historic fight for the 8‑hour working day. A reminder of the deep roots of our movement.
I was invited into a nearby home to see shocking damp and mould in a child’s bedroom. I’ll be making an urgent referral to L&Q — no family should be living in those conditions.
The day ended in Maryland with Cllr Mel, candidate Reece, and my own MP, Uma Kumaran. We had a series of warm, constructive conversations with residents — and Uma and Mel were brilliant at stepping in to speak with people who wanted to raise specific issues.
One health worker and I had a long, thoughtful discussion about the concerns many trade unionists have regarding the Green Party’s leadership, particularly around their lack of commitment to a Just Transition for workers. It’s a conversation happening across the movement.
My final doorstep was with a housing worker — a traditional Labour voter — who simply wanted reassurance that Labour in Newham will deliver. I told him what I genuinely believe: Forhad Hussain is born and bred here, raising his family here, and has deep experience both in the Council and the private sector. He will work collectively with councillors to deliver for residents.
And I stand by that.
