East Ham Newham Voices - By Elections Hustings

 

Yesterday morning I went to the hustings in East Ham Library organised by Newham Voices. Picture is of Labour Candidate for Boleyn Ward, Sofia Patel (Stephanie Garfield, Wall End Labour candidate was unable to attend) telling it as it is on - fly tipping, sex education, hate speech, housing, policing and diversity. 

I admit that I am biased but I genuinely thought that Sofia was head and shoulders above everyone else on the panel. Dispite a rather vile sexist and anti working class question directed at her by those who claim to be pro equality (aka posh middle class white Green male's) that since she worked for the Labour Party she must be a Personal Assistant. However, she kept her cool and answered this and some other unpleasant attack questions with dignity, passion and great skill. 

Many thanks to Newham Voices for organising this event and to all the candidates and all residents who attended (even the sexist bigots, who hopefully learnt some things - probably not).

I hope that there is a good turnout this Thursday 13 July, at the two by elections and we must let the People of Wall End and Boleyn wards decide (but don't forget to bring your photo ID!)

Getting the Labour Postal Vote out in Boleyn

 

On Saturday morning I joined Labour colleagues door knocking in the Boleyn ward by election in East Ham. The local Labour Candidate is Sofia Patel. Thanks to Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz for main picture of us mostly trying to install the Labour doorstep information on our phones (my attempt failed)

We were calling at residents who had previously said they were postal voters and we were gently reminding them to vote. The response was on the whole really positive and residents either knew or had heard of Sofia and the vast majority had already voted (most for Labour). 

During the session I only came across 3 residents who had not voted Labour. One was a relative or tenant of the so called "independent" candidate, another was a labour supporter who apologised for voting Green due to a "moment of madness" but would be voting Labour again in the future. 

The third was someone who I had a decent political conversation with. He was not supporting Labour since he wanted more to be done to protect cars in his road since he had recently suffered "hit and run" damage on his car. I suggested that Labour in Newham was very much in favour of traffic calming & diversion  schemes which would help with this problem. 

He then said he was against emission parking charges in Newham, despite the fact he had a lovely young daughter running around in the hall. I mentioned again (same as last Saturday in Uxbridge campaign) the views of my UNISON paramedic colleague (Peter Hannell) that in central London 25% of kids suffer from asthma but in  his home town in rural Hertfordshire it is only 5%.

I think he got that point. Afterwards canvassers enjoyed coffee and gossip in Red Rock cafe right next to the Champions Statute. 

Out and about for Labour in Boleyn

 

This morning after my West Ham ward Councillor surgery, I cycled over and joined Labour colleagues in Boleyn ward to deliver Direct messages to local residents. I missed the local MP, Sir Stephen Timms who had been with teams earlier but did join the Mayor, Candidate Sofia Patel and local Councillors and activists, walking up and down stairs delivering these messages. 

Most of the activity took place at the site of the Old West Ham FC stadium. The picture top right is I think where the centre of the pitch used to be.

It was pretty hot and a real treat to finish this session with ice cream! 

Meet at West Ham Champions Statute

This morning I joined our Labour candidate, Sofia Patel and her team at the "Champions Statute. This was the starting point of the West Ham FC victory tour on Thursday following their celebration parade upon winning the Eurora Conference League cup.  Well done to West Ham and the many, many thousands of fans who turned out that day to celebrate their fantastic victory. 

This morning there was another successful canvass and lots of good conversations with local residents about problems and possible solutions. Whenever a local resident wanted to speak to our candidate, Sofia Patel (who lives in the ward and was born and brought up in Newham) she would run over to see them and listen then talk. A somewhat rare and very welcome attribute in politics in my experience.  

It was definitely the hottest day of the year so far. Afterwards we went to the famous Boleyn Pub for coffee, water, soft drinks and snacks. I had to leave early to get ready for the prelims of the UNISON National conference tomorrow in Liverpool. I will soon be back to support Sofia and Stephanie in Wall End

On the knocker for Sofia Patel in Boleyn

 

This morning after my Councillor surgery in West Ham, I cycled over to the Champions Statute in Boleyn ward. There I joined the canvass team supporting our excellent candidate, Sofia Patel, who was born and brought up in Newham and lives in the ward. 

It was a really positive canvass and Sofia was brilliant at listening to residents and showing how she is keen to help and support them. I had some really interesting conversations with residents including one who are Labour doorstep app identified as being "Against" Labour the last time we had spoken to him a few years ago. 

He told me that he was a lifelong Conservative voter who was now undecided for the first time ever. We had a "grown up" conversation about politics and the current state of the country. He was clearly embarrassed and frustrated at the antics of recent Tory leaders. I think we both agreed that the present government had been in power for 13 long years and it is time for a change. He still hadn't made up his mind but I think (and hope) he will take the plunge and at least "lend us" his vote. 

Apart from that, my canvass returns were very solid. The online Labour doorstep app is a fantastic canvassing tool and you know who is on the electoral role and you can enter information instantly. No more soggy, unclear canvass sheets which are never inputted. 

I will be going back to Boleyn but I will be also supporting Stephanie, who is standing for Labour in our other by election in Wall End ward. 

Newham Labour: Boleyn and Wall End by-Election candidates chosen

Hat tip Newham Labour  "Local campaigners Sofia Patel and Stephanie Garfield have been selected by Labour to stand as the party’s candidates for the Boleyn and Wall End by-elections.

Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said: “Sofia and Stephanie are great community champions who will both hit the ground running to improve the lives of residents in Boleyn and Wall End wards. From tackling the scourge of fly-tipping in their neighbourhoods, to championing renters rights they will be passionate advocates for local people across all those things that matter to residents most.

I am looking forward to them joining the Labour team at the council as we drive forward with our purpose of building a fairer Newham for everyone.”

Boleyn candidate Sofia Patel was born, raised and educated in Newham. She has previously managed a local cinema, held roles in health and social care and now works for the Labour Party. Sofia is a strong advocate for youth services, social justice and the needs of older people. 

Sofia said: “I’m Newham through and through – I was born and raised here, and I’m proud to call Boleyn ward home. “Having worked in social care, and been a carer myself, I am passionate about providing people with the support they require to live rich and fulfilling lives. 

That’s why the action being taken by Newham’s Labour-run Council to increase expenditure on social care and deliver fair pay for our carers is so important. If elected, I will speak up for carers, continue to tackle the fly-tippers whose actions blight our neighbourhood, and work hard to help deliver on Newham Labour’s vision for a cleaner, greener, safer borough.”

Wall End candidate Stephanie Garfield works for the NHS, runs a small independent arts business and has been a British Sign Language interpreter. She is a dedicated public servant, local activist and entrepreneur, with a strong commitment to inclusive and compassionate local services.”

Stephanie said: “Alongside my brilliant NHS colleagues, I worked tirelessly to serve our communities and support deaf students throughout the pandemic – so I know all too well the value of properly-funded, well-run public services that are accessible to everybody.

“But while Newham’s Labour-run Council are delivering crucial investment and supporting local people through the cost-of-living crisis, Tory government cuts and economic mismanagement continue to harm our community. Only Labour can build a fairer Newham and I pledge to champion Wall End and work hard for a cleaner, safer and fairer neighbourhood.”

Boleyn (Newham) result:

Boleyn (Newham) result: LAB: 74.8% (+4.3) CON: 14.2% (-4.4) GRN: 7.5% (-3.4) LDEM: 3.6% (+3.6) Labour HOLD.

Well done. Moniba Khan (right of picture next to our Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz) is elected as a Labour Councillor in a by-election last night.

The 74% victory margin is humbling. Moniba and her agent, Alan Griffiths, both worked their socks off for this victory as did many activists. 

Moniba is also the nicest election candidate I have ever met. 

Boleyn By Election canvass: Brexit demo dodgers, Daily Worker, ASB, West Ham FC, The Boleyn Pub....having a Labour Doorstep laugh

Picture collage from yesterday's campaigning in Boleyn Ward by-election, Newham. There had been 3 teams out in the morning and I joined our truly exceptional candidate, Moniba Khan, for the 3pm session with as it happens, all West Ham CLP comrades.

Two of which were keen Brexiters from very different wings of the party and were doing their duty while the massive demo of pro people's vote marchers took place in Westminster.

In the morning there had also been another successful @bikefromboleyn event supported by Moniba and Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz.

The canvass itself went very well and was pretty good humoured. Lots of chat and banter with local residents. We discovered a fading advert for the "Daily Worker" on the wall above a old shop front. Was this an advert for the paper (now "Morning Star") or was this once a local headquarters for the Communist Party?

Moniba was our secret weapon to deploy against any anti Labour residents or waverers.

My Newham Cabinet Colleague, Cllr Terry Paul and I had a "difficult" conversation with two local residents on the pavement, who loudly complained about anti social behaviour in the locality. Which we had not really picked up from talking to other residents. Afterwards we asked local residents about ASB in the area and were told in no uncertain terms that the people, who were seen talking to us were actually the biggest cause of ASB!

Afterwards we went to The Boleyn Pub for a gossip and a drink. I had never been there before and was amazed at the glass ceiling in the rear of the pub. Afterwards I tried to go to the Newham Council Shared ownership homes open day in the site of the old Boleyn Football stadium but was too late.

By election is Thursday 1 November.

"Door knocking is twice every day, meeting at the Champions
statue, corner of Central Park Road and Barking Road, buses 5, 15, 58, 104,
115, 147, 330, 376.

11:00 Every day

15:00 Saturdays and Sundays

18:00 Weekdays

Vote Moniba Khan - Labour's candidate for the Boleyn by-election on Thursday 1st November 2018.

Pictures from Saturdays afternoon canvass in Boleyn ward, East Ham. Meeting point is the 1966 World Cup Champions statute. There were 2 canvass teams, one with the Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz and the other with the candidate, Moniba Khan, which I was sent on.

Moniba is probably the nicest political candidate I have ever met or canvassed for - ever!

She is 100% genuine, with no side about her whatsoever. What you see is what you get. She genuinely enjoys meeting people and talking to them. She gives elderly people she has never met hugs and kisses. She listens to people and if she does not know an answer she admits it and says she will go away and find out.

She has lived in the ward for many years, has 2 young boys who go to local schools and when she promises she will try and do things for local residents, you know she will do her absolute damndest to do so.

"Shock, horror" - she even said really nice things about her Tory opponent that we met during the canvass! As an old school election agent I tried to persuade her otherwise but she was not having any of it. Definitely a new and kinder type of politics.

The canvass went very well. I had some good political discussions, including a not successful one  with an elderly resident who said he was a life long labour voter but hated Jeremy as our leader since he would not in any circumstances as prime minister press the button to launch our nuclear missiles (and kill millions of people)  but he also hated Blair as a complete sell out. We may get from him the local Council vote but...

Boleyn is an interesting and varied ward. I loved the pink house and the terrace house, which had a clock mounted on the wall with an outdoor temperature gauge next to it. I wonder why?

Highlight of the canvass was of course the ice cream & lolly fest (see top middle) brought about by the unseasonably warm and sunny weather. Labour doorstep canvassing can at times be (briefly) as nice as our nicest candidates.

Door knocking is twice every day, meeting at the Champions
statue, corner of Central Park Road and Barking Road, buses 5, 15, 58, 104,
115, 147, 330, 376. Newham E6. 10 minutes walk from Upton Lane District Line station

11:00 Every day

15:00 Saturdays and Sundays

18:00 Weekdays

Join us campaigning in the Boleyn ward by-election

"There is a by-election in Boleyn ward on Thursday 01 November. Please join our fantastic Labour candidate, Moniba Khan (seen with Newham elected Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz), out on the doorstep speaking with residents about their priorities for our borough. Door knocking is twice every day, meeting at the Champions statue, corner of Central Park Road and Barking Road, buses 5, 15, 58, 104, 115, 147, 330, 376. Newham E6. 10 minutes walk from Upton Lane District Line station 11:00 Every day 15:00 Saturdays and Sundays 18:00 Weekdays We have had a positive response so far, but can always use volunteers to reach more of our residents and support our Labour candidate. Best wishes, Newham Labour"

Thank you Cllr Veronica Oakeshott - Boleyn Ward

This is simply a lovely photograph of Newham Council Executive Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, presenting flowers to Councillor Veronica Oakeshott, who has announced her resignation in order to move closer to her family outside London.

Veronica has been a fantastic and effective Labour Councillor and campaigner for Boleyn ward who was also instrumental in the successful campaign to keep the World Cup Champions Statue in her ward.

She was a ferocious advocate of her constituents and the interests of all residents in Newham. Veronica will be missed and we have lost a talented Vice Chair of our £1.4 Billion Pension Investment & Accounts Committee.

hat tip photo Ali G

Harry Pollitt in East Ham

Hat tip to Captain Swing for sending me this record from the GMB national achieves of a "thank you for voting for me" message from a young East Ham based union activist to we presume, members of his local branch.

The activist is Harry Pollitt who later became General Secretary of the Communist Party of Great Britain. Harry was forced to resign from this position when he welcomed the declaration of War by Britain against Nazi Germany in 1939. The Soviet Union had signed a pact with Germany. He was reinstated when Hitler attacked The Soviet Union in 1941.

I wonder if anyone knows how long Harry lived in East Ham?

I may have knocked on the door of 85 Central Park Road during this Boleyn ward Council by election last year.

By coincidence, tomorrow, local Councillor, Veronica Oakshott has organised a charity fund raising event "Bike from Boleyn".

Bike From Boleyn: 22 October 2016

Celebrate the special link between Boleyn and West Ham United FC! Take part in a mass bike ride from the Bobby Moore statue to the club’s new stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Anyone who can ride a bike is welcome! Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Dress up in claret and blue and get pedalling!

No bike? No problem! You can borrow a bike free of charge to travel one way.
Bike a bit creaky? Give it some free TLC by bringing it down to Dr Bike, who will be at the Bobby Moore statue from 11.30am onwards.

Saturday 22nd October
Bobby Moore Statue
Central Park Road, Boleyn Gather from 11.30pm, ride leaves 1.30pm prompt

Sign up at: www.bikefromboleyn.eventbrite.co.uk
@bikefromboleyn bikefromboleyn 

Vote Labour in Boleyn (and Oldham West)

Good luck to Veronica and Jim

Update:

Veronica Oakeshott been elected as a councillor in the Boleyn ward by-election held on Thursday 3 December 2015 after the death of a councillor earlier this year.

Veronica secured the majority of votes out of the six candidates who stood in the election.

Returning officer Kim Bromley-Derry announced the turn out to be 20.88  per cent. He said: “It is with sadness that we have had to hold this election today, but I would like to thank all the candidates and staff who participated in this by-election.”

The by-election was called after the death of Labour councillor Charity Fiberesima  in October.

Newly elected councillor Veronica Oakeshott, said: “Thank you to the residents of Boleyn for electing me as their new councillor.  I will endeavour to serve the community well and look forward to working with the Mayor and my fellow councillors during my term in office.”

The full results are:

1.    Emmanuel FINNDORO-OBASI  Conservative, 171

2.    David MEARS, UK Independence Party, 78

3.    Sheree Venessa MILLER, Liberal Democrats, 181

4.    Veronica OAKESHOTT, Labour Party, 1,440

5.    Diane OFORI, Independent, 10

6.    Frankie - Rose TAYLOR, Green Party, 117

·        Total Number of votes: 2,005

·        Turn out: 20.88 per cent

·        Number of valid votes: 1,997

·        Number of Rejected Votes: 8

Hat tip Newham Press Office

Oldham West & Royton result:

LAB: 62.2% (+7.5)
UKIP: 23.3% (+2.7)
CON: 9.3% (-9.6)
LDEM: 3.7% (+0.0)
GRN: 0.9% (-1.0)
MRLP: 0.5% (+0.5)

Boleyn Ward By election Super Tuesday

Picture collage from last night's canvass by East Ham and West Ham Labour activists in the Boleyn Ward by-election. We met up outside the Bobby Moore Statue and also Upton Park station.  There was at least 20 canvassers.

I was with the team led by the Labour Candidate, Veronica Oakeshott, with existing local ward Councillors, Cllr Obaid Khan and Cllr Harvinder Singh Virdee.

There was some "unorthodox" marking by our Board leader on canvass sheet returns (top left) showing strong Labour supporters. Compared to some "completed" canvass sheets I have seen, this is a really clear indicator of support. Will have to consider suggesting to National Party "Campaign & Resource" team that they should consider adopting it.

The by election is tomorrow (Thursday 3 December) 

There is still leafleting to do. This evening there is a final telephone canvass at the Trinity Centre, East Ave, London E12 6SG from 5.45pm

Thursday - Polling Day. Throughout the day from 9am doorknockers, telecanvass and polling station agents needed.

If you can help out then contact:07876 190 165 or morrislabour@outlook.com

Boleyn By-Election Saturday

Picture from yesterday afternoon's meeting point for Labour supporters. Veronica Oakeshott (centre with rosset) is the Labour candidate for the by-election in Boleyn ward, East Ham, London pictured alongside Newham Mayor, Sir Robin Wales and local activists.

The statue is the "World Cup  Sculpture" and celebrates the famous victory scene photographed after the 1966 football final, featuring Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson. Three of them played for West Ham FC at the Boleyn ground just across the road.

It was the first cold day of the season and I had forgotten to bring any gloves, so of course, I was volunteered "to run the board". This means sending activists to call at particular addresses to ask residents their voting intentions and to record the results. It is more difficult than it sounds, especially when you have a large team and don't know the area that well.

We were calling on postal voters, so there was a lot of walking in between addresses which kept us warm. My philosophy when running a board is just to get on with it. Speed ahead and force the pace. Don't let canvassers stand around amongst themselves chatting and gossiping, when they could be knocking on doors and speaking to real people. The sooner we get it over with the better.

I must admit that when I am not running the board, I have a somewhat different attitude. Standing around engaging in political debate and discussion (aka gossip) amongst canvassers is an important and vital part of the door knocking process.

Anyway, yet another really successful canvass for Labour and for Veronica, who is working her socks off in this election and deserves all our support.

Today (Sunday)  - two more sessions: morning session and 1.45pm meet @ Bobby Moore Statue in Barking Road, E6 1PW  - opposite the Boleyn pub. I think that there will be canvass sessions all next week at 5.45pm and telephone canvassing at the Trinity Centre, East Ave, London, E12 6SG. All with 10 minutes walk from tube stations. Will update later.

Boleyn Ward By-Election: Thursday canvass

Picture from canvass last night in Boleyn ward, Newham. It was another successful door knock with the Labour candidate, Veronica Oakeshott (middle). It was a little cold and dark, so not much discussion about politics but very solid results for Labour. Residents relate and identify with the Labour Party.

Again no sign of any opposition canvassers or leafleters.

It was a pleasure to be with the 2 other Boleyn ward Councillors, Cllr Obaid Khan and Cllr Harvinder Singh Virdee, who obviously know their manor very well and due to case work, knew personally many of the residents we saw.

Not great quality photo (need better camera) so I have saved as "Focal Black & White".

Activity for this weekend:-

Canvass
Saturday - two sessions: from 10.45am and 1.45pm meet @ Bobby Moore Statue in Barking Road - opposite the Boleyn pub.

Sunday - two sessions: from 10.45am and 1.45pm meet @ Bobby Moore Statue in Barking Road - opposite the Boleyn pub.

Telephone work:
Saturday - two sessions: from 10.45am and 1.45pm @ Trinity Centre, East Ave, London E12 6SG

Boleyn by-election - on the knocker on a windy tuesday

This evening I was with the Labour candidate for the Newham Boleyn ward by election, Veronica Oakeshott and comrades from East and West Ham Labour Party. We met outside Upton Park station in East Ham.

It was windy (#StormBarney) but only a little wet. Boleyn ward Councillors, Cllr Obaid Khan and Cllr Harvinder Singh Virdee turned up to help as well.

It was very dark and I regretted not bringing a torch. The canvass team was led by East Ham CLP secretary, Miriam Dawood, who had to use her mobile phone to read out the names and addresses for us to door knock.

There was a fantastic response for Labour from residents.  We would ask them if they wanted to speak to the Labour candidate and Veronica had to rush from door to door to introduce herself to residents.

I could not believe that some residents had already put up Christmas lights and decorations!

The by election is on Thursday 3 December and if you can help out beforehand with any leafleting, door knocking or telecanvassing then please ring 020 8586 7556 (I will post further contact details later).

Aylesford Green By-Election

Today I drove down to Ashford in Kent with two other West Hammers, Anamul and Aleen,  to support our former CLP Vice Chair, Gordon Miller.  Gordon is standing to be a borough Councillor in Aylesbury Green ward. This is a Labour marginal seat so every vote will count.

On the way down it was pouring with rain and we speculated whether we will be door knocking or getting slightly less wet by delivering leaflets. Remembering Gordon's campaigning energy and enthusiasm, I had little doubt that he would have us door knocking.  So it proved. Despite Gordon and his agent Caroline being already soaked from the morning session, they were still up for speaking to residents.

The rain held off a bit and the canvass itself was actually quite fun, chatting to residents about local and national issues. While there is differences in the canvass returns for Labour compared to that in West Ham, there is strong support for Labour, even in so called Conservative "heartlands". It reminds me that it was in rural England not the cities that the Labour movement first started.

Afterwards we warmed up and dried out in the local pub "William  Harvey" in Church Road. Anamul had a Nepalese curry cooked by the former British Army Gurkha landlord, which he said was as good as any in Green Street.

Tomorrow more West Hammers will be driving down to help out but after this we will be concentrating on our own Newham by-election in Boleyn ward and supporting our candidate Veronica Oakshott.

The Aylesford Green by election is next Thursday 19 November 2015. If you can help out then let Gordon know via Facebook "Ashford Labour" or @Ashfordlabour.

 UPDATE:
What a shame. Gordon lost by 4 votes! Politics is a cruel game at times but a great result that Labour got a third of the vote in a Tory heartland.

Adrian John Gee-Turner	Liberal Democrats	42
Alex Howard	The Conservative Party Candidate	110 Elected
Christine Ann Kathawick-Smith	Ashford Independent	92
Gordon Miller	Labour Party	106
Thom Pizzey	The Green Party	10
Harriet Bronwen Yeo	UK Independence Party (UKIP)	109

Veronica Oakeshott: Labour Candidate in Boleyn Ward By Election, Newham, London

Congratulations to Veronica Oakeshott for being selected as the Labour Candidate in Boleyn ward in East Ham for the by-election on 3 December 2015.  Commiserations to the other excellent candidates.

The by-election was caused by the sad and unexpected death of local Councillor, Charity Fiberesima.

If elected Veronica will make an excellent Labour Councillor.

 Seen here campaigning for Labour with her baby daughter outside Newham polling station during 2014 Council election.