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. 

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.”