Christina McAnea: Nominated by UNISON Greater London as General Secretary by 24 votes to

 

This lunchtime the Greater London Regional Committee voted to nominate Christina McAnea, as the next General Secretary of  UNISON by 24 votes to 4.

Brilliant result! 

Funeral Mass of Councillor Neil Wilson, RIP

 

On Thursday lunch time I attended the funeral Mass of Newham Councillor, Neil Wilson, at St. Alban the Martyr Church in Holborn. 

Neil had been a Labour Party and Councillor colleague of mine for many years. He was also at the time of his death the Cabinet Lead for Health & Adult Social Care. 

The service was very well attended and many thanks to his family and the Church for a lovely service and the refreshments afterwards.

The Church itself was magnificent with a wonderful Choir. Neil had been an active member of the Church for many years and used to assist with the services, which I knew, he was very proud of this. 

Rest in Peace Neil. 

TUC Congress 2025: Day 4

 

Last day of Congress. I was up early to go for final jog along the prom but it was raining, so being very much a fair weather runner, I went to the hotel gym instead. 

Congress started as usual at 9.30am beginning with the the latest "Union wins video", then a powerful debate on Composite motion "The Crisis in Palestine", which was followed by an address from the International Speaker – Shaher Saed from the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions. 

Then controversial motions on Climate change and a "Just Transition" requirement amendment (carried) followed by "Reform of the TUC". 

As with the "Wages not Weapons" motion previously, there was a clash between predominantly public sector unions and private sector unions on the Just Transition amendment. 

While in the debate on the "Future of the TUC" seemed me more about the role of the TUC - should it act as the national UK trade union or its traditional role to facility a UK federation of independent unions? Again some great speeches, some not that comradely, on both sides of the argument. The motion was clearly lost.   

There was also a number of important motions on disability issues followed by 6 Emergency motions. 

Check out the programme for Congress business here https://www.tuc.org.uk/Congress2025/programme-business-congress-2025 and results here https://congress.tuc.org.uk/motion_type/all_motions/#sthash.RRkjFVlf.bgWohJM8.dpbs

Final business of Congress was the traditional vote of thanks and award of a Gold Badge (and Congress bell!) to the outgoing President, Mark Dickinson, who had been a marvellous Chair of Congress. Efficient, fair and supportive of first time speakers. By coincidence he reminded me of my former Branch Chair, Tony Power, in looks and temperament.  

Next years President is the General Secretary of the Prison Officers union, Steve Gillan. Who Mick Lynch, from the RMT cheekily suggested would deal with any dissent in the TUC General Council by locking the door until they agreed a line. 

After close of Congress there was a rush to the hotel to pick up luggage, then I walked to the station (no rain) and was able to get into the rear first class coach of the Thameslink train (no need for upgrade on this carriage only) with 2 other UNISON delegates from London for further debate (and gossip)

TUC Congress 2025: Day 3

 

Congress started with “Union wins - video” then carried on debating motions on organising and recruitment, in particular young members, employment rights, Fair funding for local authorities and social care. UNISON member Sonia Pickford received the TUC Women’s Gold Badge.

Motion 37 “Wages not weapons” was controversial and resulted in quite a bitter debate (very rare at Congress) but with some good speeches on both sides. The motion went to a card vote and was narrowly passed. UNISON voted in favour.

During the lunch break I attended a workshop on “How to harness digital to boost campaigns”. Run by the TUC social media team. It was really interesting and genuinely interactive with the audience. Will I be brave enough to do what they suggested with my social media?

There was further motions debated on backing Britain’s potteries, steel industry, shipping and the future of work.

Interestingly Government Minister, Bridget Phillipson gave an address and answered questions from delegates. Bridget has announced that she is standing in the Deputy Leadership of the Labour Party contest. It was reassuring to hear her say that the Government will ensure that the Tory-reform attempts to water down the Employment Rights Bills will be defeated “No ifs or buts”.

Congress watched a very powerful video on tackling sexual harassment in the workplace but also in the Union.

Motion 7 on “Supreme Court ruling - active support for trans and non-binary workers” was passed unanimously.

TUC Congress 2025: Day 2

The first full day of Congress (Monday) started for me with an early morning jog along Brighton beach. At 9.30am I took my seat with the UNISON delegation. 

There was a number of important debates on Fire service, Zane’s Law, Prison safety, wealth tax, tackling the far right, tackling sexism and the probation service.  There was a number of UNISON speakers.

The TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak, gave a hard hitting address, attacking Reform MPs for voting against the Employment rights Bill and also for supporting US-style private health care. 

During lunch I attended a fringe on “How should trade unions respond to the rise of Reform UK” with Hope Not Hate and addressed by UNISON assistant General Secretary Liz Snape. The lesson for me from this fringe is that we have to listen, understand and win over members who support Reform and not just condemn them.

Ellie Reeves MP, a former trade union lawyer now Solicitor General, gave a well received address to Congress as the Labour Party Sororal delegate.

In the evening I went to my second fringe of the day. “Worker-Centric Housing - how do we build 1.5 million homes for where workers want to live? By YIMBY Alliance with panel speaker Maggi Ferncombe from UNISON. I expressed my usual concern on this topic that we will not be able to build all these homes without more public subsidy. 

TUC Congress 2025: Day 1

 I travelled down to Brighton yesterday afternoon for the 4pm start of the 157th Congress. I am part of the UNISON delegation (via our NEC). 

Congress is chaired this year by the no nonsense, General Secretary of the Seafarer Union, Nautilus, Mark Dickinson’s. You can watch Congress live and read about the motions and speeches at www.tuc.org.uk/Congress2025. 

I will post more on Congress later

Least we forget: Remembering the 85th anniversary of the Blitz.

 

Hat tip Newham History Society

UNISON Safety inspection in Leeds Housing office

 

Today I travelled up to Leeds to support a new UNISON safety representative, Wayne, on his first trade union safety inspection of his local housing office and workshop. Wayne is a repairs operative, currently repairing void (empty) properties and has worked for the organisation for 30 years. 

The inspection was done in conjunction with Facilities management who were very helpful and reactive to problems identified. We also discussed safety issues and violence at work with the estate housing officer present. 

Our employer has 48 offices across England and we are planning to inspect all of them (eventually!). 

UNISON NEC nominate Christina McAnea to be our General Secretary

 

This morning I was present, as an elected lay member of the UNISON National Executive Committee at the NEC hustings in the UNISON centre, London of candidates standing to be our next General Secretary.  Christina McAnea is the existing UNISON General Secretary and is re-standing for a second term.

After hearing the speeches of both candidates, I voted in favour of nominating Christina McAnea. The NEC voted overwhelming for Christina to be our nominee. 

In the next few weeks UNISON branches, regional councils and service groups will be voting on who to nominate to this absolutely key position in the union. Please attend these nomination meetings and please support Christina. I will post further on why. 

Another evening "on the knocker" in Plaistow South

 

This evening I was the "board runner" again (not with a clip board anymore but a Labour Party mobile phone app) with a group of activists led by our by election candidate, Ash. 

We did both sides of a very long street in the ward. It was threatening to rain but there was only a few occasional drops.  I read out the briefing to all the teams at the beginning and Ash thanked everyone for giving up their time to support him. There was then the inevitable photo! 

Another positive canvass. Some negativity but that is democracy for you. It was good to be involved with lots of enthusiastic activists from all ages, experience and backgrounds, coming together to fight the good fight.

By election is Thursday 18 September. Check out here if you can join us. https://events.labour.org.uk/

If you have not canvassed before do not worry, since your will be paired with an experienced activist until you feel comfortable to knock on a door by yourself.  

Thursday 4 September: ‘The Challenges of the Management and Maintenance of Social Housing’

 

This Thursday 4 September (7pm), LHG Executive Committee Member Cllr Asma Islam joins us to discuss the crisis in social housing.

Cllr Asma Islam is a Labour and Co-operative councillor in Tower Hamlets with a strong record of public service and grassroots activism. She has held senior leadership roles on the council, including Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, and Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where she championed transparency and better outcomes for residents.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xMANfA1-TKSLFC5uk55y4w#/registration

(I have known Asma for a number of years and regret that I will have to miss this talk due to a clash)

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/

West Ham in Person Surgery, East Ham Neighbourhood watch stall & East Ham South Street Surgery

 

On Saturday I had my Councillor surgery in West Ham ward. I had 2 residents attend. One was about a very complicated "Succession of Tenancy" issue and the second about an appeal against a delay in granting a Blue Badge renewal. Due to the new case work system in Newham, I was able to raise both member enquiries via my phone. 

I then arrived late at a East Ham South canvass event which then became a Neighbourhood watch street stall. What a marvellous initiative with local Newham Council enforcement officers also attending. 

Next I was to join a well attended street surgery session in East Ham South with local Councillors. I was asked to run the session on the Labour doorstep app. I would advise colleagues on who to call upon and then input any information received. The Councillors took up the individual case work. It went very well. A pretty positive result for Labour. 

Note a very good notice board in the foyer of one L&Q Housing Association blocks. 

As chair of Newham Labour Group I look forward to visiting and campaigning in all our Newham wards. 

Statement from Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE on Newham's May 2026 mayoral election

 

(The Labour Party has announced that former Newham Councillor (and Cabinet member) Forhad Hussain has been selected as the Labour Candidate for the May 2026 mayoral election). 

Labour Housing Group Events - Summer 2025

 

Check out our full events schedule for the coming months - we hope to see you at one of the below! Find out more on our website. https://labourhousing.org/category/events/upcoming-events/

Matchgirls Strikers Exhibition at House of Commons

 

Last week on Tuesday evening I was privileged to be invited to the opening of an exhibition in the House of Commons on the 1888 Matchgirls Strike in Bow, East London. This successful strike against low pay, bullying and unsafe working practices was organised and led by working class women. 

The exhibition was organised by the Great Granddaughter (Sam Johnson) of one of the strike leaders, Sarah Chapman who is buried in Newham. 

Many thanks to my MP, Uma Kumaran (Stratford and Bow) for sponsoring the display. It was great to see Angela Rayner MP and James Asser MP also at the opening. 

I worked for many years in Bow, in a housing office directly opposite the site of the strike (the Bryant & May match making factory). 

UNISON New NEC 2025 - 2027 - 1st meeting

 

On Tuesday there was the first proper meeting of the newly elected UNISON National Executive Council (NEC). The NEC is the UNISON "Parliament" of elected members, which helps run and lead the union in-between our national conferences. 

I was so pleased when I arrived early at the UNISON National headquarters in Euston Road, London to see the new Presidential team in their office on the 8th floor preparing for their first meeting with the NEC. 

The meeting itself was pretty lively (and some breath-taking hypocrisy by some sore losers) I will post a report here for Community members soon(ish). 

It was confirmed at the meeting that I was on the UNISON national Policy Development and Campaign Committee (PDCC), the Industrial Action Committee and the Staff Pension Committee (after 4 year gap). 

In an earlier vote I had also been confirmed as being on the UNISON National Labour Link committee as a NEC nominee. 

See picture of myself and my UNISON Committee colleague Denise, the top table and also the 4 Greater London Regional reps Clara, Sonya, Eddie and Abiola (aka S Club 7). 

Newham Council Task & Finish report on 10 Year plan to solve the Temporary Accommodation Crisis

Yesterday, I presented a report to Full Council on the recommendations of a task and finish Group that I chaired, on the Temporary Accommodation crisis in Newham. This report was accepted unanimously. 

The key recommendation was that we have to have a credible long term plan not just to manage the crisis better (as important as that it) but to eventually solve it. 

This means not only do we have to raise our own game as a Council but also that the Government needs to be convinced that they have to provide the financial support and subsidy for us to provide sufficient secure, safe, green and affordable homes to house our 7000 homeless. 

Not an easy ask considering the dreadful state of public finances after 14 years of Tory rule but one we have to make. It used to be the case that British politicians from all political parties accepted that it was their duty to make sure that everyone had access to decent housing. We need to work to restore that belief. 

Check out the report here (Public Pack)Supplementary Agenda Two Agenda Supplement for Council, 14/07/2025 19:00

UPDATE: check out online ES articule on the report Plea for more cash to support thousands of families in temporary accommodation in east London borough | The Standard

West Ham and Manor Park Street Surgery

 

Last Saturday I joined my West Hammer comrades John & Varghese for our ward street surgery. We went to the historic heart of the ward - Church Street. 

As a local Councillor, I picked up case work on housing repairs - individual and communal, rubbish collection and bin sheds, planning issues (see middle top) and street homelessness. The reaction to us calling was all pretty positive and it was good to see again, local community activists and Labour Party members and chat about issues. The top left picture was us in the front of a very welcome Council new build development. 

This morning I joined Manor Park comrades, local Councillor Salim and Hassan. We knocked up the Wanstead flats side of the ward. The recent grass fire on the flats had obviously caused concern. While there was some polite push back from known opponents, it was overall very solid Labour. It is clear that some Labour supporters are very concerned with local and national Party issues but are still giving us the opportunity to earn their trust. 

As Chair of Newham Labour Group, I will be joining all Newham wards in their future street surgeries. 

UNISON National Labour Link Forum 2025: Day 1 & 2

UNISON Labour Link is the part of our union that is made up of members who decide to affiliate to the Labour Party and the Forum is our annual meeting, which this year took place in Glasgow. 

I attended as an elected London delegate but came early as member of the National Labour Link committee for a pre forum planning meeting. In the morning I went for a run along the Clyde which took longer than expected due to getting just a little lost.

Forum started in that evening with delegation meetings and then a reception addressed by my former UNISON NEC colleague and now MP, Katrina Murray. Afterwards the London delegates had a meal in an Italian restaurant in Argyle Street. 

Forum started and finished the next day with a mixture of reports, motions, keynote speakers and panel debates. 

Former UNISON national officer (and London lay activist) Deirdre Costigan gave a well received speech to forum on the 1st year of a Labour Government and gave an honest and considered response to sometimes robust questions in the Q&A. 

The highlight to me, was the panel debate on "Tackling the rise of Reform" with guest speaker Nick Lowles from "Hope not Hate", who gave a fascinating account of recent research on who supports Reform, why they support such a right wing, anti worker Party and what we should all be thinking of doing to win back disillusioned voters. I asked the panel about the importance of social economic class inequality in this debate, which pretty much all the panel agreed was a key issue. 

Forum finished on time, with all the annual reports agreed and all the tabled motions debated. Looking forward to next year's Forum. 

UNISON National Labour Link Forum 2025

 

I arrived Wednesday evening for the UNISON National Labour Link forum in Glasgow. Picture with comrades from the NEC on the National Committee on way back from a meal.

Forum kicked off on Thursday evening but the National Committee met in the morning. Will post further. 

West Ham Labour Street Surgery

 

After my static advice surgery on Saturday morning I joined local volunteers and Councillors to carry out a door by door street surgery in West Ham.

We knocked on the doors of residents and ask them if they have any problems or issues with Newham Council that they wish to discuss with their local Councillors. Usually, residents are pleased to see us (although a tiny number disguise it very well) and have nothing to report but are grateful for receiving our contact details and that we hold a local advice surgery every Saturday (apart from Bank holiday weekends and August). 

We started off with a modern housing association block managed by L&Q. I was concerned that there appeared to be some out of date notices regarding fire safety/disrepair actions posted on a communal board, which I will chase up with them. 

Next we knocked at a Council managed block which had recently had substantial environmental improvements but residents were very concerned with cleaning standards and access to recycling bins. There was also reports of ongoing damp and mould problems, which I will also follow up. Overcrowding is a huge issue with adult children forced to stay at home since they cannot afford alternative accommodation. 

I was pleased to see that the old Britannia Pub has also been refurbished and modernised. It will hopefully reopen soon. 

The final door knock was Victorian street properties and discussed reports of ASB, rodents and tree pruning. 

In total we had 87 contacts and finished off with a late brunch in a nearby cafe. 

On the way home I looked for a plaque on a wall in an adjacent street, which I believe is connected to a 1733 boundary post I came across the previous week while canvassing in Stratford see John's Labour blog: Labour Street Surgery in Stratford. I found the plaque which I had posted upon here in 2013 John's Labour blog: West Ham doorstep & Leaflet drop. 

It seems that land in Stratford and West Ham had been donated to support St Mary's Church in Rotherhithe. I wonder what the legal situation is nowadays? I am meeting former Councillor John Saunders on Tuesday evening and will ask him if he knows more. 

Are you a trade union rep concerned about the temperature in your workplace?

 

In the week 14 – 20 July,

@The_TUC

is inviting union health and safety reps to check their workplace temperatures. Help organise for safer, cooler workplaces!

Sign up now for our week of action, 14-20 July: https://tuc.org.uk/news/workplace-temperatures-week-action#:~:text=In%20the%20week%20of%2014,safer%2C%20cooler%20workplaces%20this%20summer!

Labour Street Surgery in Stratford

 

On Saturday afternoon I joined a street surgery and campaign session in Stratford with local Councillor, Sabia Kamali. There had been a morning session as well which I could not attend but I cycled to the meeting point in Stratford High Road, which was near an unusual stone pillar (bottom right) which I think is some sort of boundary post dated 1731. It seems that it once marked land owned by a Church in Southwark. There is a similar wall plaque in my ward in West Ham. I will find out more. 

The street surgery itself went well but it was a warm and sunny day with many residents obviously out shopping or enjoying the weather. It was also difficult to gain entry into some of the newer blocks in this area. 

I helped some residents with some housing repair issues and advice on waiting lists etc but the only "political" conversation, I had was with a cheerful young man, who answered the door and said he did not know anything about politics but said he had heard about Reform but did not know what they would do for him or his family. 

I gave him the example that Reform wanted to dismantle the NHS and introduce a health service based on insurance policies. He was pretty rude about that possibility and said "100% for Labour then". Hopefully, I have pointed him in the right direction. 

There was some lovely individual gardens on the estates and an impressive new play area and Community garden. 

UNISON NEC Presidential Team elections 2025-2026

UNISON National Conference finished at 4pm on Friday 20 June 2025. I will post on the last 2 days of conference when I can. But after the close of conference, the newly elected UNISON National Executive Council (2025-2027 NEC) met for the first time to vote for our New President, Senior Vice President and Junior Vice President. 

I had been re-elected as a NEC Community member with my colleague Denise Thomas and we voted  in this important election. 

These are not just honorary or ceremonial positions, the new Presidential team are the most senior lay activists in the largest union in the UK, providing leadership for over 1.3 million members. 

I was more than pleased that the following were elected with clear majorities.

Catherine McKenna – UNISON President

James Anthony – Senior Vice President

Debbie Rowden – Junior Vice President

"This marks a fresh start and a powerful step forward for our union. With a strong NEC and a leadership team committed to putting members first, the future of UNISON looks brighter than ever".

Agreed.