Getting the Vote Out: West Ham Ward 2022

 

Tonight we were delivering these reminder leaflets to "Labour Promises" (Residents who had previously indicated that they supported Labour) in West Ham ward. First time I have had a QR code on my leaflets. 

Newham Labour

West Ham then Plaistow West & Canning Town East with Lyn Brown MP ("We Stand with Ukraine" Street)

Canvasing pictures from West Ham Ward this week and the new Plaistow West & Canning Town East Ward today with our local MP, Lyn Brown. 

In West Ham ward we had a stall outside the station with Canning Town North and we did the two tower blocks in Leather Gardens (many thanks to Jordan from UNISON Voluntary orgs branch for joining us). 

A pretty positive response apart from one resident who was very angry that he had not been able to move from his overcrowded flat and blamed the Council for this failure. I tried to explain that we have a massive housing shortage in Newham and we need a change of Government to solve this crisis but I knew he was so angry that he would not listen. 

Today after picking up our new GTVO leaflets from printers the West Ham candidates myself, John Whitworth and Charlene Mclean had a last week of election planning meeting then I went to pick Lyn up for the PWCTE session. 

This was another great canvassing session (with Cara the Labour attack dog) and I was very impressed with one street where they had so many pro Ukraine leaflets in their windows. They had also raised money for War relief charities. Well done! 

In the afternoon I had the joy of Labour Group officers then a very good training on Election Day and "The Count". 

Sri Lanka - United We Stand

"This morning we supported a community vigil on the steps of Newham Town Hall to remember those killed in the Sri Lanka terror attacks and show united we stand with Sri Lanka and all those affected.

The vigil was followed by a silent walk to St Michael’s Church, East Ham for an inter-faith service". Hat tip Newham Council. 

Being a Republican but still enjoying the Newham Royal Wedding Celebrations

Picture collage from two events in Newham yesterday that I attended with Gill on behalf of the Council celebrating the Royal Wedding. While I personally believe that our Head of State should not be a hereditary monarch, I respect the views of the majority in this country, who pretty obviously do.

I must admit to being more than a bit worried in light of the experience "across the pond" of us electing a "President Farage" but still think the democrat principal is absolute.

I have blogged previous on this here. It was great to spend time with local residents at the Community Road Centre and the sheltered tower block in Holden Point (Deputy Mayor Clarlene McLean and her lovely deputy, deputy Esme).  

Vote Labour (& Co-operative)

In West Ham Ward, London Borough Newham. You have 4 votes

London, Newham and West Ham Labour Action team

My favourite 2018 local election campaign picture so far.

After leafletting a local school, we met up with London Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan, Newham Labour Mayoral Candidate, Rokhsana Fiaz together with the rest of the West Ham Ward Labour Action Team (John Whitworth and Charlene Mclean).

Hat tip picture Rohit

West Ham Labour Action Team & Labour's Plan for Newham

I declare an interest!

West Ham Labour Action Team - Putting People at the heart of all we do

FOR THE MANY NOT THE FEW

"The Canning Town North branch is having a joint street stall with West Ham branch outside West Ham tube Station at 5.00pm on Wednesday 18th April".

Re-selected as West Ham Labour (& future Co-operative Party) Councillor Candidate 2018

I am very pleased that I was reselected today as a Labour Party candidate for the local elections in May 2018 for West Ham ward in Newham, London.

Both myself and my Councillor colleague, John Whitworth, were affirmed at the first ballot.

Many, many thanks to all ward members who supported us.

Welcome and congratulations also to the one and only, Charlene McLean, who was selected by the ward as its third Labour candidate.

All three of us are also Co-operative Party members, so I hope we will be (amongst the first?) Labour & Cooperative Party Councillors in Newham.

There are some photos of the new 2018 West Ham ward Labour team out there "somewhere", which I will post as soon as I can track them down. It has been a long day:)

"Veteran Newham mayor faces deselection fight ahead of local election contest"

For once, a balanced article by the London Evening Standard about Labour Politics. I and many other Councillors and Party members support the call by Cllr Marriott, Charlene Mclean and West Ham Labour Party for an open selection to decide the next Labour candidate.  I think that the "trigger" process in Newham has been completely discredited by the so-called previous "process".

Robin Wales has been in charge of Newham since 1995 and if he is not "triggered" then he would have been in power for a staggering 27 years (until 2022) without any open democratic process since 2001.  

The directly elected Newham Mayor is a hugely powerful position responsible for over 300,000 residents, employing thousands of staff and a Billion pound plus turnover.

There is also not enough time for another "trigger" before May 2018, which practically everyone believes will result in Robin Wales being "triggered", which will automatically lead to an open selection. 

We also have not finished the appeals for Council candidates who did not pass their initial interviews.  We therefore have no Labour candidates in place to organise the May election for the 60 Newham Labour seats.

"Veteran Newham mayor faces deselection fight ahead of local election contest"

Labour members in the borough have written to the party’s National Executive Committee calling for an open vote to pick their candidate.

Newham Labour councillor Julianne Marriott, who was behind the letter, said she did not believe another trigger ballot was “in the best interests” of residents.

It comes after Sir Robin called for the first result to be scrapped after legal action was launched.

Charlene McLean, chairman of the West Ham constituency party which passed a no-confidence vote in the ballot, has also written to Labour general secretary Iain McNicol. In her letter, seen by the Standard, she warned there was not “sufficient time” to run a new trigger ballot, followed by an open selection if Sir Robin were deselected, as the local elections were in just four months’ time.

The calls follow the disputed trigger ballot in autumn 2016 which Sir Robin won by 20 votes to 17. Eleven out of 20 local Labour wards called for other candidates to be on the slate.

It was announced this month that the trigger ballot would be rerun following claims of irregularities and a legal challenge.

Ms Marriott said: “I believe we should go straight to an open selection as that will be the result of a rerun of the trigger ballot.”

The successful candidate is almost certain to become mayor in the Labour-dominated borough".

Hat tip pic Jo G

West Ham Labour "Brexit" fundraising dinner with Keir Starmer MP

Picture collage from the fully booked dinner on 30 March where over 120 members turned up to listen to the Labour Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU. By coincidence this was also the day after the Prime Minister had formerly "triggered" the UK Exit from the European Union.

Our MP, Lynn Brown, spoke first then Keir gave an honest and, sometimes, frank speech about the huge problems which lie ahead for our country.   He stated that Labour will fully honour the democratic "Brexit" decision while trying to make sure that the final Brexit deal will be as beneficial to the UK as is possible.

He then took "questions", which since this was a West Ham Labour event, were sometimes challenging but he responded to in a thoughtful and intelligent manner.

Many thanks to Lyn, our CLP Chair Charlene, Alan our CLP Secretary and the many others who made this night such a success.  Especially the East London Rugby staff and the caterers.

I was pleased that UNISON London regional Labour Link made a financial contribution towards the campaign fund raising as well and a number of our activists were there as well.  The event was so successful we are already planning another event in the near future.

Brexit Fundraising Dinner - Keir Starmer MP 30 March 2017

Canvassing this Saturday 11 March:
1) Join Lyn Brown 11am Stubbs Point, New Barn Rd, E13 8JL (contact Rohit)
2) 11.30am, Custom House Library, Prince Regents Ln, E16 3JJ (contact Rokhsana)

Our Brexit Fundraising Dinner ~ Thursday 30th March (early bird price £20 till Sunday midnight)
Join Lyn Brown MP, Shadow Minister (Home Office) and West Ham CLP for a fantastic fundraising Brexit Dinner with our special guest speaker Keir Starmer MP - Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU.

Keir will provide a fascinating insight into Labour’s response to the referendum vote and triggering of Article 50, work to protect hard won rights and the importance of ensuring a proper democratic grip and accountability of the entire process.

As well as great company and conversation there will be great cuisine with Britain's favourite dish ~ curry. We'll be serving three courses (with vegetarian options) with drinks available from the cash bar and an auction and raffle with some fantastic prizes - so please bring your pound sterling (Euros not accepted!) to raise money for West Ham CLP. 

Ticket price: Buy now for £20 per person (until Sunday 12 March midnight and then £25) (friends/partners very welcome). Please get your ticket via PayPal* (and remember to add the names of who the ticket(s) are for in the notes and any other info)
When: 7pm for 7.30pm, Thursday 30 March
Where: East London Rugby Club, 71 Holland Road, E15 3BP (5 min walk from West Ham stn)

We look forward to seeing you on the 30th!

*PayPal - If you don't have a PayPal account (but it does only take 2 mins to get one) please email us and we'll sort it out with you.

Look forward to seeing you at something soon. And please get in touch if you'd like any more information.

Best wishes
Charlene

Charlene McLean
Chair West Ham CLP

e westhamlabour@gmail.com  t @westhamlabour  f westhamlabour  w westhamlabour.org

West Hammers out Khanpaigning in Green St, Plaistow & Custom House

It has been a busy weekend for West Ham Labour. Yesterday I was out with a Labour canvass team for Sadiq Khan as mayor in Green Street. See Vice Chair Campaigns, Julianne Marriott, briefing the team beforehand on what to do. Highlight of the morning was calling at a Roman Catholic nunnery.

Then we met our MP Lyn Brown, at the East Shopping centre which was celebrating its first birthday. Some members also attended the anti racism rally in Trafalgar Square.

In the afternoon we were in Plaistow South ward with City & East GLA candidate Unmesh Desai.  As you can see from the photo outside the fire station, we had a number of (very) young socialists with us. I was with the team led by Stratford Cllr, Charlene McLean, who used her daughters pram to hold spare leaflets and sheets. Picked up some repair and school issues which were dealt with by local Cllr Neil Wilson. Picture of excited staffie, stalking cat and CLP secretary, Alan Griffiths.

In the evening there was a meeting of City and East Momentum followed by a social in Forest Gate. This morning there was another canvass team out in Custom House led by local Councillors Rokhsana Fiaz and Pat Holland. This evening there is Sunday Night Live at the Stratford Picture House on "Does Feminism Need a Upgrade" (5pm-6.30)

Click on picture to bring up detail.

West Hammers with John Biggs and Sadiq Khan MP campaigning for a Tower Hamlets Labour Mayor in Isle of Dogs

This afternoon we meet up outside Crossharbour station in the Isle of Dogs. It was a large turnout from all over London. Sadiq and John said a few words to rally the troops then we were sent off to various parts of the Island, mostly to deliver leaflets.

West Ham Labour Party Chair (and Stratford Councillor) Charlene Mclean led our team, ably assisted by our very own West Hammer Young Pioneer, Esme. We leafleted the east side of Manchester Road, in between the Samdu Estate and the Police Station alongside the River Thames. The weather was lovely and warm and we were quite envious of those who were sitting on the "beach" enjoying the rays.

Then I came across a plaque in Dudgeons Wharf remembering 5 fire fighters and another worker who were killed by an explosion while tackling a fire on this site in 1969. It was the worst single loss of life in the London Fire Brigade since the 2nd World War. One of our team, East Hammer Malcolm, used to be member of the now disbanded London Salvage Corps which was once part of the London fire office.

Afterwards we stopped off at the The George Pub (opened 1864) and as yesterday proceeded to once again put the world to rights.

Election day is this Thursday 11 June so if you can come and support John Biggs as Labour Mayor on the day please do and check out http://www.johnbiggsformayor.com/events. 

West Ham Ward Councillor report

This is the report (below) I presented at tonight's West Ham Ward monthly meeting.

After the Q&A we then had a fascinating debate about the General election result and the future direction of the Labour Party.

Afterwards some of us went to a joint ward informal social with comrades from Forest Gate North and South at Nando's in Stratford.

Ward meeting 4 June 2015 

"Due to the general election we have not met for some time. During the election campaign I was the Agent for our Parliamentary candidate, Lyn Brown and for our CLP Chair, Charlene McLean, who was the Labour candidate for the by-election in Stratford and New Town.

We were of course devastated by the result of the General election and a possible 5 more years of Tory rule. However, Lyn did manage to increase her majority by 5.7% and Charlene was also re-elected with the biggest vote ever for a Newham Councillor.

Many West Ham activists also played an important role in overturning a 5000 tory majority in Ilford North. We are also currently working in Tower Hamlets for the election of John Biggs AM as elected Mayor which will take place next Thursday June 11.

As Agent I am currently finishing off the Parliamentary and By-election expenses.

Last week we had an all members meeting for the selection of a Labour Candidate for London Mayor 2017. At that meeting, in my personal capacity, I seconded the nomination of Sadiq Khan and spoke in favour of him.

 Due to the election many Council and forum meetings have been cancelled. However, I have attended a number of meetings including the Council AGM and attended Housing Residents Scrutiny where I was able to get it agreed that Council officers should attend meetings of local Tenant Resident Associations if there is a special issue. I am trying to help organise such a meeting for Leather Gardens TRA.

I have continued to carry out regular surgery and respond to complaints. Housing, ASB and Parking remain the top 3 topics. Next month I will resume making a full written Councillor report to the ward.

Councillor John Gray. 

West Ham Labour nominates Sadiq Khan and Tessa Jowell as their London Mayoral Candidates

Over 80 members of West Ham Labour Party attended yesterdays nomination meeting at Vicarage Lane Community centre, E15. At the beginning, our CLP Chair, Charlene McLean, called out the names of the 8 declared candidates and asked for proposers and seconders. Members present selected Diane Abbot, Tessa Jowell, David Lammy, Gareth Thomas, Sadiq Khan and Neeraj Patil.

We could nominate up to two candidates, at least one of which had to be a women. The women candidate was decided first. A number of members spoke in favour of nominating Diane or Tessa. All contributions that evening were heard out and treated with respect.

Tessa Jowell was elected as a women's candidate by 49 votes to Diane Abbot 32.

Next we debated the open selection and voted for Sadiq Khan as our candidate, who got 52 votes to 16 for Gareth Thomas and 15 this time for Diane.

There was some fantastic contributions from a wide range of new and experienced activists. I was really pleased with the arguments, the passion and energy shown. Despite our national defeat on May 7, the Labour Party in its historic homeland, West Ham, is still very much alive and kicking.

Our MP, Lyn Brown then gave us an impassioned speech, thanking us for all our hard work during the General election and in particular, for Wes Streeting's victory in marginal Ilford North. She promised to lead a "fightback" in West Ham against  the consequences of Tory rule.

After which, of course, was the inevitable Labour Party raffle, followed by a little bit of a social followed by some late night discussion by some in the nearby Bay Tree public bar.

Check out the report in West Ham Labour blog. We hope as a CLP to host a hustings for the Labour Leadership nominations.

Hat tip picture Julianne Marriott. Many thanks to top Community Centre volunteer Kim for helping to set up and clean up. 

West Ham "on the knocker" for John Biggs

Picture collage from yesterday of West Hammers (and a East Ham comrade) "on the knocker" for John Biggs as Labour Mayor for Tower Hamlets.

West Ham Labour Chair, Charlene McLean, led our team "assisted" by her campaign hardened 9 month old baby daughter, Esme (definite future Young Pioneer and Woodcraft folk member).

A positive canvass for John and Labour, although many people were away since this was a Bank holiday weekend. I came across some very negative comments about the Executive Mayoral system but was able to reassure people that in the hands of a honest, decent and principled candidate such as John Biggs, they have nothing to worry about.

Rain eventually stopped play. I had some interesting but confusing interactions on twitter trying to direct West Ham activists to join our team. Twitter is all well and good but a mobile telephone call is probably still best in these circumstances.

West Ham CLP London Mayor Nomination meeting - 28 May

Labour’s London Mayor Nomination - 28 May 2015

I would like to invite you to West Ham Labour party’s all-member meeting on 28 May where we will decide whether to nominate candidates to stand for London Mayor.

After we’ve finished making nominations we hope you will stay and join us for a social event. We'll be weloming new members, thanking everyone for all their work over the election campaign and celebrating Lyn Brown's re-election and our win in Ilford North. Please do bring food or drink to share with other members.

Where and when?

When: 8pm on Thursday 28 May
Where: Vicarage Lane Community Centre, Govier Close, London E15 4HW
What will happen at the meeting?

A list of people that have applied to become Labour’s candidate for the Mayor should be available shortly. If you want to ensure the meeting considers a particular candidate, please come ready to propose or second that candidate at the beginning of the meeting. All West Ham members will have a chance to discuss the merits of each candidate before we all vote on whether to nominate anyone at all or whether to nominate one or two people (we have to nominate at least one woman). The Labour Party will then shortlist candidates that West Ham and other London Constituency Labour Parties have nominated. Those shortlisted candidates will then speak at hustings across London that party members and supporters can attend. Voting on this (and the Leader of the Labour party) will open in mid-August and will be announced 12 September.

GC - delegates will meet at 7.30 as usual but at Vicarage Lane on Thursday 28 May before nomination meeting.

Tower Hamlets by election - Sat 23 May

We'll be meeting at Stratford station (at the ticket barrier/sign) at 10.30am on Saturday to head over to help Tower Hamlets (John Gray is lead).

If you can't make that time please just turn up at Tower Hamlets Labour Party office (349 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9RA, nr Bethnal Green station) anytime between 10-4pm this Saturday or Sunday. You can also see when they have sessions during the week here. They'll be grateful for any time you can spare.

I hope to see you at the nomination meeting. If you have any questions please email WestHamLabour@gmail.com.

Best wishes

Charlene

Charlene McLean
Chair - West Ham CLP

The West Ham Count 2015 at the Olympic Velopark

I have mixed emotions looking at this collage. On the one hand we had a fantastic victory in West Ham that night with our Labour MP, Lyn Brown, being re-elected with a majority of 27,986 and 68.4% (increase of 5.8% from 2010) share of the vote.  Charlene McLean was also re-elected as a Stratford & New Town Labour Councillor with the highest ever vote in the history of Newham Council.

Yet we clearly lost the national General election.

This morning I had my Councillor surgery in my ward and a young mum with her son came to see me. She has an eviction notice since she cannot afford the rent on her privately rented 2 bedroom flat. She has always worked for the NHS but due to benefit caps, she now cannot afford to live in one of the least expensive parts of London. She has even been refused access to so called "intermediate Social Housing" since she does not earn £40k per year.

What on earth will happen to her and her son under a future Tory government committed to billions of pounds of further spending cuts? 

Westhammers Labour Victory 7 May 2015

This is the picture of the West Ham Labour Party election count team from 04.30 am this morning with our two successful candidates, Lyn Brown MP and Cllr Charlene McLean. This was at the Olympic Velopark.

Lyn was re-elected as our Member of Parliament for West Ham with a majority of 27,986 and 68.4% (increase of 5.8% from 2010) share of the vote.

Charlene was re-elected as Newham Councillor for Stratford & New town ward with a majority of  2,829 and 57% of the vote.

Nationally of course we were well beaten by the Conservatives who will now form the next Government. Once the dust settles down a bit I will post some thoughts on what happened and what we should be doing next.

Congratulations, to Stephen Timms in East Ham who also had a stonking victory for Labour with a 34,252 majority and 77.6% share of the Vote.

We were really pleased at the count when we heard that Wes Streeting had won at Ilford North by 589 votes and commiserations to Polly Billington and her team at Thurrock.