Bank holiday "On the Knocker" for Labour in West Ham

 

Today and Sunday have been another couple of “full on” campaigning days for Labour candidates and activist supporters across Newham. In West Ham, we’ve had three sessions each day, including attending community events and services. 

Huge thanks to our West Ham and Beckton MP, James Asser, for joining us today, and to the well-respected West Ham ward Councillor (and my good friend and mentor) John Whitworth, who is retiring this year after 12 years of service.  

The weather has been mostly great – warm with plenty of blue skies, just the odd spot of rain that quickly cleared. It was lovely meeting many West Ham residents who have already voted Labour by post and catching up on casework they’d previously raised with us.  

Residents particularly value that Labour is the only party offering local, confidential, free advice surgeries every Saturday morning in the ward from 10am–11am (excluding Bank Holidays). None of the other candidates have ever done anything remotely similar for the ward, either before or during the campaign.  

The campaign carries on tomorrow, Wednesday, and of course Thursday. The count is on Friday when results will be announced – first the Mayoral vote, then the Councillors. In West Ham, we’re feeling positive but will approach the campaign, as all candidates should, as though it could be won or lost by a single vote.

(I need to ask the Newham History Group about the wall plaque in the bottom left that intrigued James and me. It appears to be some sort of boundary mark but connect with Rotherhithe in Surrey)

Busy Labour Weekend in West Ham & Playing Away in Royal Victoria

 

It was a busy weekend. Friday started very early, getting into hard-to-access blocks to leaflet postal voters using trade access buttons. 

Saturday morning was my Councillor surgery at the newly refurbished Vicarage Lane Community Centre, which will be a fantastic asset once fully reopened. 

A resident came to discuss parking and park maintenance issues, accompanied by her young daughter, who attends the same primary school as my neighbour’s daughter. 

Later, I went canvassing with Adjoa and Parvin in West Ham (Sam couldn’t join us this time) and treated myself to a relatively healthy lunch at the Plaistow Cafe. 

In the afternoon, I joined Steve and Caroline, a fellow housing worker, in Royal Victoria with local MP James Asser, and the response was very positive. Steve and Caroline are recognised as active and hard working local representatives. 

On Sunday, I was back in West Ham with Adjoa, our retiring Councillor, John Whitworth, and local activists. I picked up casework and had encouraging conversations, but it’s clear we need to get our message out better—many residents had no idea about the Labour Government saved Newham from Tory-induced bankruptcy, the massive affordable housebuilding programme being funded, the 10,000 children lifted out of poverty by ending the two-child benefit cap, or the most radical increase in employment and renters’ rights in 60 years. The campaign continues tomorrow.

"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. 

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.

"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.

 

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.

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....?

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. 

"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.

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 .)

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

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.

West Ham & Stratford Neighbourhood Forum 3 March 2026

 

Last week I attended our local Neighbourhood Forum at Stratford Library with my West Ham Councillor colleague, John Whitworth, and fellow Labour candidate for the May 7 elections, Adjoa Kwarteng. 

The forum gave local Police and Council officers a chance to update residents on what’s happening in our area, followed by round table discussions where residents could ask questions and challenge how issues are being addressed. 

It was a well-attended meeting, and I moved between tables hearing concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour, highways, garden waste, street cleaning, street lighting, vermin infestations, and poor housing management. 

I felt it went really well, and John, Adjoa, and I will do everything we can to ensure the commitments made by Newham officers and the Police are kept. I’ll also look into inviting more local service providers, such as housing associations and the NHS, to future meetings.

Abbey Gardens Street Surgery, the Plaistow Landgrabbers & Residents meeting on Trees

 

On Saturday, Adjoa, Sam, and I continued our street surgeries with supporters, having also done one the previous Monday evening. 

We spoke with residents in several streets near Abbey Road, visited the Community Gardens, admired the historic Abbey ruins, the plants being grown, and, of course, the bee section. I shared the local connection to the “Plaistow Landgrabbers” https://www.whatwilltheharvestbe.com/about/ and their motto, “What will the harvest be?” 

We then stopped by Abbey Road DLR station, where a poster advises visitors that if they’re looking for the famous Beatles zebra crossing, they’re in the wrong part of London—a reminder of the time a tourist asked me about it there. 

Later, Adjoa and I caught the tail end of a well-attended West Ham residents’ meeting on a proposal to plant trees in their street, chaired by my ward colleague Cllr John Whitworth. It was a lively but polite debate with strong views on both sides. 

On my cycle home, I passed the Clapton FC game, which you can now watch from a distance along the pathway.

West Ham Ward Surgeries - in and out

 

This morning I cycled to Stratford Library for my West Ham Councillor surgery. It was busy, with two consecutive residents seeking advice on housing eviction notices—one case very urgent—and in both instances the residents were in poor health. I contacted Newham’s “out of hours” service and had some serious conversations with them about next steps. I can’t help wondering if these so-called “no fault” evictions are linked to the Labour Government’s Renters Rights Bill, set to come into effect on 1 May 2026. I’ll be raising members’ enquiries for both cases.

In the afternoon, I met fellow ward candidates for the May 2026 elections, Adjoa and Sam, at Plaistow café for campaign planning, before joining a West Ham ward street surgery with Labour colleagues. We had two teams out and three people new to canvassing who, after some on-the-job training, were knocking on doors by the end. There were plenty of positive interactions, a few trickier ones, but always interesting conversations with residents. Most people I spoke to seemed to appreciate us knocking, introducing ourselves, and listening—responding when needed, though not always. Listening matters, but people also want answers.

New Year West Ham Street Surgery

 

After a walking holiday in mostly sunny and warm Madeira, I went out with Newham Labour activists and Councillors today, carrying out a street surgery of residents in West Ham ward. On my right is Sam Mannion who is standing as a Labour Councillor candidate with me in May. Adjoa Kwarteng is the 3rd ward candidate, she is away on a family holiday but back for our session next week. 

We split into 2 groups and I went with my Canning Town colleague Cllr Shaban Mohammed to the blocks managed by Populo Living which is a Newham Council wholly owned housing company. 

One of the first calls I made resulted in a long and complicated investigation into a water leak into one property from the flat above. The boiler of the flat above was leaking and water was running down the hallway below. While this can happen in the best managed blocks it appears that both tenants had contacted Populo and that workmen had come and said either they did not deal with such issues or had the wrong tools but someone would be there "the next day", but no one turned up or rang to explain. 

Residents had lost pay by staying at home to wait for a promised visit and were also worried about the cost of water lost since they have meters. Both residents were doing everything they can to try to resolve this situation and as someone who has worked in housing management for many years, there is nothing more frustrating that staying in for a repair when no one turns up. I told both residents that I will be contacting Newham Council and Populo first thing tomorrow to demand they get this sorted out asap and pay any appropriate compensation for failed appointments or water charges. 

To be fair, as a ward Councillor I cannot recall ever had any complaints before about these blocks but it was clear to me today that this should have been sorted by now. 

There was more case work regarding noise nuisance and theft from motor vehicles but in general residents seemed content with the Council and Populo management but I was disappointed that there was no communal notice board with contact details of any named housing officer responsible for management or cleaning. I will bring this up as well. 

By coincidence, two of the flats I called at had Portuguese speaking residents and I was able to chat to them about Portugal and the current Presidential elections.