"Newham for newcomers" by Sharon Chawda

 I sadly missed the book launch because I was away at the LGA Labour conference. Guest speakers at the launch included local MPs Stephen Timms, Diane Abbott, James Asser and our Labour Mayor candidate, Forhad Hussain. 

While researching the book Sharon interviewed me and very kindly gave me a copy which I am reading with real pleasure and will post a review once I am finished. 

Sharon is also standing to be a Newham Labour Councillor in May. She is simply a force of nature on the campaign trail - bright, positive, hard working and deeply committed to our community, She will make an excellent Councillor.

You can find links to buy her book at https://newhams.netlify.app including via Newham Books affiliate page https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/newham-for-newcomers-my-journey-your-guide-our-community-sharon-chawda/30a36c3fd6ad8645

"History, hardship and hope in one East London borough"
Newham for Newcomers is a clear-eyed guide to one of Britain’s youngest and most diverse boroughs. Mixing local history with voices from residents, traders, councillors and campaigners, it looks at housing, work, sport, faith, politics and safety ... while not shying away from poverty, crime or bad planning.
Join committed local resident Sharon Chawda on a tour of the clubs, libraries, community gardens and grassroots projects at the beating heart of Newham.
“An original and well written portrait of this intriguing East London Borough. Newham is fortunate to have been discovered by such a talented young local author.” – Antonia Fraser
“As a neighbouring Northeast London MP I am delighted that Sharon Chawda has portrayed Newham’s effervescent diversity with such style and charm in her first book. I predict that she has a bright political and literary future ahead of her.” – The Rt Hon. Diane Abbott MP

UNISON NEC members meet up before meeting Wednesday 11.2.26

 

A few of us from the UNISON NEC managed to meet up on Tuesday evening at our national headquarters on Euston Road. It was a relaxed chance to catch up before the formal business began.

Our elected lay President, Catherine, is right at the centre of the photo in red. To her right is James, our senior Vice President, and to her left at the front is Debbie, our junior Vice President.

Some NEC members from the far‑left faction left the building when we arrived — their absence was noted — while many other Council members were still travelling down or due to join us the following morning.

On Wednesday we moved to the full hybrid NEC meeting in the Dave Prentis Chamber on the 9th floor. It turned out to be a very interesting session, and I’ll share more reflections on that soon.

Rainy Sunday West Ham Street Surgery - Labour delivers on funding for Newham

Last Sunday, despite the wet weather, we conducted our street surgery in the Abbey Road tower blocks. 

The views from the top were quite impressive. Although many residents were not home, those I did speak with were pretty positive. 

Concerns were raised about local crime and trust in politics, especially given the challenging week for the Labour Government. 

However, there was also a recognition that Labour has made significant contributions to Newham, particularly after 15 years of austerity, by providing Council funding based on actual need rather than just population size. 

This represents a truly progressive and socialist agenda. While there is much more to be done, this is a very welcome start.

Epping Green Walk 14.2.26

 

Went for a lovely 5 mile circular walk with Gill last Saturday in Essex only 30 mins drive from East London. Some nice views, different terrain and somewhat stretching climbs (for Essex). Wet and muddy in parts after recent rain. 

We have done different versions of this walk a few times now but the new sign saying there was iron age pig roaming free was very exciting but alas none were seen on this occasion. 

Stopped off at The Travellers Friend on way home for a pint of London Pride. Hat tip route OS site and Country Walking magazine

Re-elected as UNISON Greater London Regional Council officer (Finance Convenor) 2026-27

 

I was pleased to be re‑elected with a solid majority as Finance Convenor (RCO) for the London Region, and I offer commiserations to my opponent. I think I was first elected to this role in either 2006 or 2007, which means this may well be my twentieth term in office — quite a milestone.

The only other contested RCO election this year was for Deputy Convenor, and my colleague Conroy Lawrence (left in the picture) was also comfortably re‑elected. None of the RCO positions were challenged by the “evil ones”, so it was a straightforward win for the forces of "light and reason" in the London Region.

It will certainly be an interesting few years ahead with a new General Secretary from the far left, elected with the backing of a tiny, tiny proportion of UNISON’s membership. Watch this space.

Every worker needs a union. Have you joined one yet?

 Every worker needs a union. Have you joined one yet? https://lnkd.in/ejAkzRHF

#HeartUnions

Last day of Love Unions Week 2026. Check out this TUC web site to find out which union you should consider joining. https://www.tuc.org.uk/heartunions . If you work in public services then go to JoinUNISON

Every worker needs a union. Have you joined one yet? https://lnkd.in/ejAkzRHF

#HeartUnions

Canning Town South Street Surgery

On Monday evening, I joined my fellow Labour candidates in Canning Town South for a street surgery in their ward. 

We managed to get into some of the newer blocks and chatted with residents about any issues or concerns they had with Newham Council, also conducting a quick survey. 

I teamed up with Rohit and Aderonke (not pictured) with John M, covering alternate floors in the blocks. Apart from a few residents who were busy cooking or eating, everyone I spoke to was interested and engaged. 

Common issues included ASB, parking, and litter, as well as specific concerns like ground rent, which Rohit was already on top of. 

Although the elections are still a way off, the response at the doors was positive, with no negativity toward Labour and some great conversations. 

As Newham Labour Group Chair, I’m making my way to all our ward street surgeries but hope to return to Canning Town South before May 7.

Labour LGA Conference 2026 (and West Ham Street Surgery)

 

Last Saturday morning I joined my West Ham colleagues for a street surgery before heading to Coventry for the Labour Local Government Association annual conference. 

During the street surgery, I had a fascinating and respectful conversation with a resident about the impact of immigration, crime, and poverty. It reminded me never to make assumptions and to expect challenges from unexpected places. The armchair warriors of both the far right and far left should spend time knocking on doors and talking to real people to realise their simplistic, bigoted views don’t reflect reality. 

At the conference, there were various workshops, exhibitors, and a phone bank. In the evening, we had a formal dinner, where you can see in picture collage, Cabinet Secretary for Housing Steve Reed MP with some of the Newham Crew. 

I was delighted to have a photo with UNISON member Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham and now Baroness Dacres of Lewisham OBE. 

The next morning featured more speeches followed by additional workshops, but I had to leave early for another commitment. "Hopefully", I’ll be able to attend next year’s conference :-)

March TOGETHER Against The Far Right - London 28 March 2026

 Friend,

Thank you for joining Together, a new alliance of 50+ organisations and thousands of individuals united against the hate of the far right.

We’re so proud to have you with us, and so excited to get to work to show what this country really stands for.

That’s why we’re asking you to get started by taking these two simple steps:

Step 1:

We know our strength lies in solidarity. That the change we need comes from working together for hope, not despair.

On 28 March from 12PM, we’ll prove that together, with a national demonstration through Central London.

This is our first public action — and it’s going to send a message no-one can ignore:

Thousands of us taking to the streets to show what Britain can be: united and hopeful.

Can we count on you to march with us?

Save the date

Step 2:

To make this march as powerful as it can be, we need people from every walk of life standing shoulder to shoulder.

Different backgrounds, different beliefs, different stories — all showing that despite what divides us, there is something much stronger that brings us together.

It’s about showing that when this country chooses love over division, we are unstoppable.

That’s why we’re asking you to watch and share our launch video — so we can spread the word as far and wide as possible and make sure people from every corner of the country are with us.

West Ham Station Attack 50th Anniversary - 15 March

 Hat tip ASA Charity https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=west%20ham%20station%20attack%2050th

"In 1976, the IRA terrorists bombing campaign in London was at its height, targeting ordinary people as they went about their daily work. On 15 March 1976, a bomb was detonated on an Underground train at West Ham Station, seriously injuring nine people.

In the aftermath of the explosion, train driver Joseph Julius Stephen pursued the fleeing terrorist. In an act of extraordinary courage and selflessness, he was shot and killed. Peter Chalk, a Post Office engineer and passenger on the train, was also shot after pleading with the attacker that he wanted to help the injured. Peter was shot in the chest, but he survived the attack.

Joseph Julius Stephen was just 34 years old. Originally from the West Indies, he lived in Hammersmith with his wife Janet and their four-year-old son, Mark. His bravery was later recognised when he became the first person to receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal posthumously. In 2022, a memorial plaque was unveiled in his honour.

To coincide with the forthcoming 50th Anniversary, the Ancre Somme Association has commissioned a commemorative enamel badge to mark the West Ham Station Attack. The badge has been created to raise awareness of Joseph Julius Stephen’s heroism and, above all, to ensure that his family know that “Julius,” as he was known to them, is remembered and honoured".