Saturday, January 18, 2025

1st Labour Canvass in Forest Gate North 2025

 

This morning I joined Labour colleagues for my first canvass of 2025. It was led by local Councillor Rachel Tripp and we were joined by local activists and later by Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz. 

I live near by and know this area fairly well. While there was real problems over parking control and Anti-social behaviour, most residents I spoke to were fairly satisfied with Council services and the social housing stock (nearly all Housing Associations) appeared to be managed effectively. Rachel was recognised by a number of residents as their long standing and active local Councillor. 

There was complaints about Council parking enforcement being too lax but other complaints about them being too strict. Perhaps then the balance is about right? One of the canvassers, despite wearing a bright red "Labour & Co-op Party" hat, was asked by a resident if he was a Jehovah witness. I had an interesting conversation with one resident, who admitted that she had never voted but she would consider doing so in the future. I gave my view that the powers to be had never wanted working class people to have the vote in the first place and if we did not use it then they will try and take it away. 

The cost of living crisis is still hitting residents and they are genuinely worried about the economy and public services. I share their worries but asked them to judge the Labour Government on what it does in the next 4-5 years and not in its first 6 months. 

Afterwards we went to the "Wild Goose" Bakery for feedback, coffee and gossip. It had been a good session.   

Next week we will be out and about in West Ham ward. 

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