UNISON NDC 2026 - Reflections (Day One)

For the first time in many years, I arrived late to the start of UNISON National Delegate Conference due to other urgent matters. I am attending conference in my capacity as an elected member of the UNISON National Executive Council (NEC) for Community, representing members working in Housing Associations and the voluntary/charity sector.

Despite my late arrival, it was clear that there had been a number of strong and constructive debates on the conference floor. A range of views were expressed in what I would describe as a positive, comradely manner. In my view, this was particularly encouraging, as there is not enough space for appropriate and constructive critical debate on motions. Unfortunately, I missed some of the more controversial items due to my late arrival.

Following the close of conference, I met with members of my branch delegation—where I also serve as Branch Secretary—to deal with some important admin matters.

I then attended a fringe meeting on Responding to Reform and the Populist Right. This featured several strong contributions, including from Nick Lowles of Hope Not Hate. While the discussion recognised the very real challenges posed by the rise of Reform and other far-right elements (including more extreme groups such as Restore), it was not entirely pessimistic. There were some important positive points highlighted, particularly that the overwhelming majority of voters rejected Reform in the recent local elections, despite the party achieving some high-profile results.

A key theme from the discussion was that our response should not be to simply demonise Reform or its supporters. Instead, we should focus on clearly exposing the reality of their policy platform—namely that it would undermine core public goods and protections such as a free NHS, decent public pensions, and essential employment rights.

During the Q&A, I made the point that while I agreed with much of the optimism expressed, there is a real danger that our movement could “sleepwalk” into allowing a Reform government in the future. The current political dynamics remind me strongly of what occurred in the United States, where dissatisfaction with the Democrats for not being “perfect” contributed to the election of Donald Trump—twice. That experience underlines the risks of complacency and fragmentation on the progressive side of politics.

Conference resumes tomorrow, with the NEC pre-meeting at 8:30am and conference business recommencing for delegates at 9:30am.

West Ham Ward Panel AGM & Meeting 4.6.26

Yesterday evening myself and my Labour & Co‑op Councillor colleague Adjoa Kwarteng with Green Councillor Ibrahim Alom attended the meeting of the West Ham Ward Panel, alongside local residents and four officers from our Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

The session opened with the panel’s AGM, where residents re‑elected the Chair and confirmed all existing panel members for another year. Only residents can stand or vote, which keeps the panel firmly rooted in the community it represents.

The main discussion focused on crime and anti‑social behaviour across the ward. Residents raised a number of concerns, and councillors and the SNT were able to agree several areas of joint action — including issues on Council estate land and properties managed by local housing associations. We also received helpful guidance on what can be done to address a safety hazard at the Portway entrance to West Ham Park.

A recurring theme from residents and Councillors was the impact of a local betting shop which appears to attract ASB to the surrounding area. This will be followed up as part of the wider partnership work.

Councillors also asked for closer links with the West Ham Volunteer Police Cadets, and for details of plans for the annual PC Nina Mackay memorial event later this year, as well as the Remembrance Sunday service at All Saints Church. It would be excellent to see the cadets and local schools involved in these important community moments.

Overall, it was a constructive meeting with strong resident leadership and a clear shared commitment to improving safety and wellbeing across West Ham.

Tribute to Councillor who built trust

 A touching tribute from a resident to former Labour Stratford Councillor Sabia Kamali, who unfortunately lost her seat in last month’s elections. She was one of the most talented and dedicated Councillors I’ve ever met. I’m confident this is just a temporary setback and that she’ll be back serving her community before long.

https://newhamvoices.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Newham-Voices-June-2026.pdf

Thank you dinner for Labour activists

 

A great snapshot from last week’s dinner for Labour activists in Newham, held after May’s election. It was a lovely meal with constructive feedback on the campaign. 

Many thanks to the candidates for organising such a well-supported event. 

Everyone had the chance to speak, and as Statutory Deputy Mayor, I spoke last, making it clear that while we won the Mayoral contest in Newham and Labour remains the largest political group, excellent Labour candidates unfortunately weren’t elected due to circumstances beyond their control—but we’ll be back for the next Newham Council elections in 2030, and we will win.

"What has a Labour Government ever done for us?...Employment rights reforms"

🌙 Rough Sleeper Count: A Midnight Snapshot of Life on Our Streets

 

Last Thursday evening, just before midnight, our Newham Council teams gathered once again for the latest bi‑monthly count of people sleeping rough across the borough. From midnight until 3am, staff and volunteers fanned out across known locations, not only to record numbers but to engage with people where possible.

Some colleagues (not pictured) were already stationed at key “hot spots” to speak with individuals, understand their situations, and offer support. The emphasis in these areas was not just on a head count—important as that is for understanding the scale of the issue—but on meaningful contact.

I paired up with a Council colleague to visit an area where we know rough sleeping is more prevalent. Even when you’ve done this work for years, it remains a sobering experience. Seeing vulnerable people trying to rest in noisy, exposed, polluted, and sometimes dangerous surroundings is a stark reminder of the realities many face every night.

And yet, amid the hardship, there were glimmers of hope. As we walked, my colleague shared stories of long‑term rough sleepers who, through persistent outreach and support, have moved into permanent accommodation. Those successes matter. They show what is possible when services are properly resourced, when trust is built over time, and when people are met with compassion rather than judgement.

The count is never easy, but it is necessary. It grounds us in the truth of what’s happening on our streets—and it strengthens our resolve to keep pushing for the support, housing, and long‑term solutions people deserve.