| |
| |
| |
| |
|
My own personal blog. UNISON NEC member for Housing Associations & Charities, HA Convenor, London Regional Council Officer & Chair of its Labour Link Committee. Newham Cllr for West Ham Ward, Vice Chair of Local Authority Pension Fund Forum, Pension trustee, Housing & Safety Practitioner. Centre left and proud member of Labour movement family. Strictly no trolls please. Promoted by Jack Risbridger on behalf of J. Gray both at The Trinity Centre, East Avenue, E12 6SG.
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
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.
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.
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....?
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!
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.