"Statement on the false claims by Areeq Chowdhury"

 

While I accept that politics can be a pretty brutal contest by all sides at times, the sheer deceitfulness and hypocrisy, of the Green Party is just breath-taking. They claim to be "honest" but repeat blatant personal lies about a political opponent. Shame on them. They are indeed not to be trusted. 

L&Q Housing Association UNISON notice board

We were at the L&Q headquarters in Stratford, Newham, London last week in the evening for our branch Executive committee and I cannot resist posting this picture.  Sad but true,  I do love a good UNISON real life notice board. Well done to Tony (our branch chair) and local reps!

I do have some serious issues with L&Q housing management with another hat on. Watch this space. 

"On the Knocker" reminding West Hammers about their Postal Vote

 

A busy period and all candidates have got lots of steps in this phase of the election. My postal vote for the May 7 Election arrived at home today. Residents live busy lives and are often pleased to have a gentle reminder to exercise their democratic right to vote from the comfort of their home. 

Many thanks to our ace local canvasser Varghese for all his support. I will be highlighting supporters to acknowledge their huge contributions. 

Retirement celebration with UNISON LAS Paramedic Pete Hannell

 

On Friday evening, I met up with Pete, who is retiring from the London Ambulance Service (LAS) as a paramedic after more than 30 years of service. Pete is, of course, well-known in UNISON for being very shy, even bashful, and it’s always a challenge to get him to say much. 

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.

Pride in West Ham with Angela Rayner

A lovely picture of Adjoa and me with Labour MP Angela Rayner in Newham, just outside West Ham Ward. 

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.

West Ham candidates visit to Khidmah Academy Mosque

 

Last Thursday evening, I felt proud and honoured to join my fellow Labour West Ham candidates, Sam and Adjoa, in visiting the Khidmah Academy Mosque on Vicarage Lane. 

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.

Stop the steal - Fight for our future!

 

Reform UK has pledged to rip up legal protections for workers and renters.

Reform are proposing a so-called "Great Repeal Bill" to scrap rights secured in the Employment Rights Act - rights that millions of working people have fought hard to win.

Add your name to protect workers' rights

Order free Fight for Our Future Posters

Their Great Repeal Bill would strip our rights and our voice. It would hand power to bad bosses and rogue landlords. The planned attacks include: Taking sick pay, bereavement leave, and pregnancy protections off millions of workers. Legalising fire-and-rehire and workplace discrimination. Reintroducing "no-fault" evictions and reducing limits on rent increases.

Other campaign resources

Campaign webpage Campaign video Social media graphics

Together, let’s stop Reform’s Great Repeal Bill. https://www.tuc.org.uk/LESE

"On the knocker" during West Ham Sunset's

We’ve been out knocking on doors in West Ham ward, chatting with residents about their issues, concerns, and how we can help. 

People have been really pleased to see us, valuing the chance to connect and our offer to meet face-to-face every Saturday from 10 to 11 am at the Labour drop-in confidential advice surgery at the Vicarage Lane Community Centre. 

Also, we’ve had some beautiful sunsets this week.

 

Pride in Newham rally with Sadiq Khan

 

Thanks to Sadiq for stopping by to support Forhad and our Newham Labour campaign this week. He delivered an inspiring speech highlighting Labour’s achievements so far, like lifting 10,000 children in Newham out of poverty by ending the Tory two-child benefit cap, while acknowledging there’s still more work ahead. 

Not long after this photo was taken, the rain began, and I quickly regretted leaving my umbrella at home.

Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2026: 12 Noon (tbc) "Clasping Hands" Statue, 3 Mills Green, Stratford

 

"Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living"

The Greater London UNISON Housing Associations branch will be marking again, International Worker's Memorial Day, with a wreath laying event at the "Clasping Hands" Statue in 3 Mills Green, Stratford, Newham, East London at 12 Noon (tbc) Tuesday 28 April 2026.

This memorial stands on the site of a tragic and wholly avoidable incident, where a worker lost his life after being overcome by poison gas in a ventilation shaft — and others died, one after the other, trying to rescue them. Their courage and sacrifice remind us why the fight for safe, healthy workplaces must never stop.

For 2026, the TUC is focusing on the need to prevent violence at work — we want a greater protections from verbal and physical abuse and violence in workplaces, and protections enshrined in law, too.

Members, Safety reps and Staff Safety officers from local Housing Associations are expected but all welcome to pay their respects. Guest speakers invited.  Please bring banners. 

Further details to follow. Check out https://www.tuc.org.uk/IWMD/international-workers-memorial-day-events for updates and similar events across the country. 

Royal Docks, West Ham & Maryland Campaign Day 11.4.26

 

✊ A Strong Day of Campaigning Across Newham

Today was one of those days that reminds me why I love campaigning in Newham — full of energy, purpose, and real conversations with residents.

🚴‍♂️ Royal Victoria: Starting the Day with Leafletting

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.

🗳️ West Ham: Canvassing with Adjoa, Sam & James Asser MP

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.

🏚️ Casework: Damp and Mould

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.

🌆 Maryland: Final Canvass with Mel, Reece & Uma Kumaran MP

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.

Newham Greens Leader & Mayor candidate - "categorically untrue, baseless and libellous comments...gutter politics"

 

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. 

Red Sky in West Ham

 

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....?

UNISON NEC pre 8.4.26

 

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!

Easter Weekend leafleting & Canvassing in West Ham

This Easter Weekend, the West Ham Labour team took part in a number of different religious, family and  campaigning activities. 

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. 

UNISON SGE election 2026 recommendations: Yorkshire & Humber Candidates

Some recommendations from comrades in Yorkshire & Humber but Wayne is a top grass roots UNISON Community steward in my national employer and Kerri is his branch secretary and given him loads of support. 

UNISON Service Group Elections 2026 - Regional Heath (& Greater London)

 

Trusted colleagues from UNISON Health Service Group have asked me to share recommendations for the biannual Service Group Executive (SGE) elections, which should have been sent out on Wednesday 1 April by email or to members’ home addresses. 

These elections are important, so please take time to read the election statements and consider the endorsements from UNISON rank-and-file health activists who are committed to working hard, fighting for members in the NHS, and putting their interests first. 

Greater London health members should also keep in mind Chris, Julie, and Paula (apologies for leaving Paula off the earlier list). I will share more recommendations from activists on other service groups soon.

UNISON win at St George's and Epsom & St Helier Hospital

 

UNISON WIN

Healthcare assistants at St George’s Hospital, Epsom Hospital and St Helier Hospital, have secured a significant pay victory after voting to accept an offer from their employers

For more information about the campaign visit london.unison.org.uk

#healthcareassistants #strike

"On the knocker" next to West Ham Park

 

This canvass took place last Saturday, a week ago, during a street surgery next to West Ham Park. We had plenty of positive conversations with residents and noted some concerns about ASB and complex neighbour disputes. Some beautiful blossom in trees. 

Everyone was very friendly, and residents were glad to see an active Labour action team knocking on doors, asking about local West Ham issues and how best to address them.

Albury & Patmore Heath Walk, Herts

 

Off-topic, but Gill and I enjoyed a lovely circular 5.38-mile walk in Hertfordshire earlier this month (we also did it a couple of years ago).

The route starts and finishes at Patmore Heath, a rare example of acid grass heathland in South East England. We managed to get lost a couple of times, but it was well worth it for the great views, peaceful surroundings, and gently rolling countryside. Along the way there are historic churches, thatched cottages, and even a few Tudor mansions.

It was a little muddy after the recent rain, but honestly, what’s not to like?

The route is available via the OS/Country Walking app. Recommend OS but you may have to pay to subscribe.

More photos coming soon on Facebook 📸

A Full Labour Movement Family Day

 

Today was one of those days that reminds me why I’m proud to be part of our Labour and Co‑operative Movement family.

🏛️ Morning: Community First

I started with my Labour & Co‑op Councillor Surgery at the newly refurbished Vicarage Lane Community Centre. It’s looking fantastic — bright, welcoming, and nearly ready for bookings. I’ll share more on that soon.

From there, I joined Adjoa for a positive canvass in the ward. My very first conversation was with someone previously marked “Against” Labour who now rated herself a 10/10 Labour voter. A reminder that people do change their minds — especially when they feel listened to. There was also some complex casework involving long‑running neighbour disputes, the kind of issues that really test patience and persistence.

🚲 Cycling, Chance Meetings & The Together March

I cycled to Stratford, enjoying the newly resurfaced stretch from Stratford Park to the L&Q HQ — smooth tarmac and clear cycle markings make such a difference.

On the Central line I bumped into Stella Creasy MP, and we had a good chat before the inevitable photo outside with Forhad Hussain, our Newham Mayoral candidate, and Cllr Sabia Kamali.

I joined the UNISON bloc on the Together March and helped carry the Greater London banner. Not heavy — but the wind certainly tried its best.

The march itself was inspiring. I understand the police estimate around 500,000 people came together to say clearly and proudly that whatever our differences, we stand united against racism, bigotry, and far‑right extremism.

One moment that meant a lot to me: I asked for a photo beside a placard reminding us that our grandfathers fought the far right in the Second World War. The woman holding it told me her grandfather landed on D‑Day and helped liberate Bergen‑Belsen.

Both my grandfathers also served in the war and fought against Nazism — something I carry with real pride.

There was a tiny minority who seemed to think “togetherness” only applied on their terms, but thankfully they were ignored by the overwhelming majority who understood the spirit of the day.

🚆 Back to Newham: Canvassing, Conversations & A Big Belly Breakfast

I left the march at Piccadilly Circus to head back for a Little Ilford canvass. On the train I ran into Chris, former secretary of my UNISON branch — another nice moment in a day full of them.

Before canvassing, I stopped at the Plaistow Café for their famous Big Belly Breakfast — my first meal of the day and very much needed.

The 4pm canvass in Little Ilford went well. More positive conversations, and it was great to see candidate Sharon Shawda, full of energy and determination, speaking to every resident she could. (For more on Sharon’s work, see my post: https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2026/02/newham-for-newcomers-by-sharon-chawda.html .)

Newham Rough Sleeper Count 27 March 26

 

Early this morning, I joined a team of homeless outreach workers and fellow councillors for the bi-monthly count of people sleeping on the streets of Newham. 

We met at 11 p.m. (Thursday) at the Newham Council Dockside Building for a briefing on our purpose, how to treat rough sleepers with respect, and personal safety advice. 

We began the count at midnight. While the main aim was to record the number of people sleeping rough to assess the situation and determine which measures are effective, we also handed out leaflets explaining how to access help and support, including medical care. 

I’ve previously been in many other inspections and had covered Manor Park for the count but I requested a change, so it was insightful to visit Stratford, where the scale of the problem is more significant. I worked with a fantastic, friendly, and knowledgeable team of homelessness practitioners and gained a much better understanding of the challenges in supporting vulnerable people. 

We finished the rough sleeper count, including parts of my West Ham ward, and returned to Dockside around 2 a.m. before I headed home. Forgetting to block my work calendar, I’d booked a “difficult” 9 a.m. union meeting, which thankfully went somewhat fine. 

I’ll wait for the official count figures but know we must bring them down—life on the streets shortens lives. We have to do everything possible to prevent this and provide solutions for all those in critical housing need.

Remembering West Ham Station Attack - 50th Anniversary

 

Two separate events were held to commemorate the murder of 34-year-old Underground driver Joseph (Julius) Stephen on 15 March 1976. 

He was shot dead while trying to stop an IRA terrorist after a bomb exploded on his train, injuring nine passengers. Another passenger was shot and seriously wounded before the terrorist was overpowered by an unarmed police officer. 

Mr. Stephen was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal but left behind a widow and a four-year-old son. 

The first commemoration was organized by the charity Ancre Somme Association, with speeches from Northern Irish MP Carla Lockhart and local West Ham MP James Asser, and attended by family friends.

The second, marking the 50th anniversary, was organized by TFL and the RMT union, of which Mr. Stephen had been a member. 

Many thanks to the charity and TFL for both well-attended events, which the family seemed very pleased with. It is only right that we remember and honour a brave public servant who sacrificed his life to protect his passengers, as well as all those injured in the attack.

Marching TOGETHER against the FAR RIGHT - LOVE, HOPE, UNITY this Saturday 28 March Central London

I’ve been working with my UNISON trade union branch and Newham Labour activists to help boost attendance at Saturday’s march. 

I’ll be joining the national UNISON bloc, which will be second from the front. It’s so important to make our voices heard and show solidarity with those affected by racist, Islamophobic, and hateful commentary. 

The main march will gather at 12pm on Park Lane, setting off around 1pm towards Piccadilly and ending near Green Park tube station. 

The shorter, accessible march will meet from 1pm at the top of Whitehall by Trafalgar Square (outside Waterstones). 

The day will wrap up on Whitehall with speeches and music from 2 to 6pm. 

While campaigning for Labour in West Ham ward last Saturday, I was glad to see our local Filipino community also spreading the word about the march.

West Ham Ward SNT Panel Meeting

 

The photo collage is from the recent Ward Panel meeting with local Police and residents. West Ham Councillor John Whitworth, candidate Adjoa Kwarteng, and I attended to discuss crime and community safety in the ward. 

These meetings are held every few months, chaired by a local resident, and include reports from Police and Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on crime statistics and police actions. 

Residents can question the Police, share concerns, and help set local priorities to be addressed. 

Councillor Whitworth and I shared what the Council is doing to tackle common issues alongside Police and residents. 

This panel should be more widely known and attended, as any ward resident or local business can take part and contribute. It’s not just talk—over my 16 years as a local Councillor, I’ve seen it make real improvements to residents’ quality of life. 

The Police have also launched “Met Engage,” an online site where residents can sign up for updates, contact the Safer Neighbourhoods Team, and get more involved. 

Check out https://www.metengage.co.uk/Content/LocalArea/79642/West%20Ham and email the panel via WestHam@contact.metengage.co.uk

Labour Plaistow Super Saturday

 

Yesterday, after the West Ham litter pick, I cycled to Upton Station for the 1pm Plaistow Super Saturday campaign session. There were four different events across Plaistow that day, supported by East Ham MP Stephen Timms and West Ham & Beckton MP James Asser. 

I was assigned to a team backing local Plaistow North Councillor Zulfiqar Ali and his candidate team, Joy and Pervez, who were out with other teams. 

Zulfiqar, a well-known and active councillor, personally knew many residents and had a great rapport with them. The canvassing went really well, though there were a few tough conversations with residents who had been let down by both social and private landlords, as well as by fifteen years of Tory governments failing to provide enough social housing to meet demand. 

It’s important to be honest with those in desperate situations that change won’t happen overnight, but Labour is committed to delivering hundreds of thousands of truly affordable homes for those who feel they may never get on the housing ladder. 

One thing I heard for the first time, which made me angry, was from a resident who said corrupt letting agents and private landlords were taking money from vulnerable tenants by falsely claiming that eviction would help them get a council house—completely untrue, and in fact likely to have the opposite effect. If I find any evidence of this, (and I will be looking) I will report it to the police and other enforcement bodies. 

The weather was warm, with blue skies and sunshine, and the beautiful spring blossom made it even more enjoyable. 

Love E15 Community Litter Pick

 

This morning, my West Ham Councillor colleague John Whitworth and local resident (and West Ham candidate) Adjoa Kwarteng joined residents for a ward litter pick, organised by https://www.instagram.com/lovelondone15/. "Love E15 is a grassroots community group of residents who care about E15 and aim to create a happy, thriving neighbourhood".

We met outside the beautiful Parakeets mural on Bull Road, where we were given litter pickers, gloves, and bin bags. There was a great mix of local residents, including plenty of enthusiastic young people. The Council supported the event by providing equipment and arranging to collect the litter bags at the end. Former Newham Councillor Julianne Marriott was also there pitching in.

I spent most of my time clearing an alleyway behind a block of shops with Council flats above, while Adjoa picked litter with the volunteers in the surrounding residential streets. The top two photos in the collage show "before and after". I’ll be raising a member’s enquiry to find out who is responsible for cleaning this area, as there was more bulk rubbish dumped that needs removing.

It was a fantastic example of residents and the Council working together for the common good. Afterwards, I had breakfast with John at the Plaistow Café, then cycled off to join a political campaign in Plaistow which Adjoa also joined.

"We've recently had a jampacked Action Day of canvassing here in West Ham! Vote Labour on May 7th! 🌹🌹"

It was a fantastic Super Saturday with three canvassing sessions and over 35 activists in West Ham ward. Huge thanks to our organisers for their support. Although there was one particularly unpleasant incident involving a non-resident, which I reported to the police, the day overall was very positive, with plenty of casework and many local residents (though not all) happy to chat about real local issues, concerns, and possible solutions.

Eid Mubarak

 

This is the difference a Labour Government Makes - Abolishes 2 Child Benefit Cap

 

UNISON Greater London Housing Associations Branch AGM - Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 6pm

 

💜 UNISON’s Step into Spring Grant

 

UNISON’s Step into Spring grant opens at 12 noon on Thursday 19 March 2026 and is available for 24 hours. Eligible members can get a £30 voucher towards the cost of essentials. Find out how to apply http://unsn.uk/stepintospring