West Ham Ward doorstep 15.1.22 (Yes, they all hate Boris)

This afternoon we were out "on the knocker" with our local MP Lyn Brown (and Cara - the Labour attack dog). 

We had 98 contacts, who were not only overwhelmingly Labour but I can honestly report that I have never heard so much anti-tory comments in a canvass (over the abuse of Covid rules by Downing Street staff) in any previous  doorstep. 

Residents were genuinely angry and one was demanding that Lyn as his MP should sack Boris Johnson as Prime Minister. I had to point out that this was no doubt her wish but she could not do this if the majority of  MPs in Parliament (Tories) did not support her and her Labour colleagues.

I do not underestimate Boris for a minute, and he will not go until he is pushed but I think there is a good chance he will be toast. This doesn't mean that anyone else who follows him will be any better but it is hard to think they could be worse. 

There again I could be somewhat naïve... 

 

Our First Latin American Day Celebration in Newham

 

This evening in the Old Town Hall Stratford I attended the celebration of Latin American Day. There was speeches and poetry then delicious foods and great live music. 

Everyone from our local Latin American Community I spoke to were so happy that this event took place and totally pleased that they were finally being recognised for their contribution to Newham and East London. 

It was also good to see and say hello to the statute of Keir Hardie in the lobby of the town hall. 

Many thanks to my Councillor Colleagues Belgica Guana, Charlene McLean and Council officers for organising this wonderful event. I shall look forward to next year. 

"On the knocker" in Canning Town South

It was a lovely day for the time of year to go canvassing for Labour. We split into two teams. My team leafleted some modern apartment blocks overlooking the old docks (we could not get in to door knock). 

Then by contrast we walked through the Excel Centre and across the Docklands Light Railway to door knock in the more traditional Canning Town. On route we met a "visitor" (Pink Princess) to the Gaming Exhibition being held in the Excel Centre this weekend. Anyone know which character she was representing? I did ask and think she said "GK" game but have no idea what this is? 

Probably because it was a warm and a Saturday, residents were on the whole, pleased to see us and happy to chat. Local Councillor, Belgica Guaña, picked up a fair bit of case work. 

The response was overwhelmingly pro Labour (we had 55 contacts on "Labour Doorstep"). 

I had a number of interesting conversation with residents but with one in particular (who had been previously identified as being "Against" Labour but said he usually voted for us) who explained that he had felt forced to exercise his right to buy his former Council home, because he was worried that his grown up children would be evicted from his home upon his death, since they would have no right to succeed to his council tenancy. 

I did explain that this was not necessary so but said I did understand his concerns. I think perhaps we ought to think about explaining to Council tenants about succession and assignment rights, which may mean tenants will not feel forced to buy? He agreed with me that "Right to Buy" is a bad idea if Councils are not fully compensated for its loss and it is one big reason why his children cannot get a Council home of their own. 

Afterwards we had breakfast in a café in Freemasons Road, then made our way to St John's Church in Stratford (me by bike) for training on the Labour Party Campaigning Software called "Contact Creator".  Which I thought went really well and I learnt a lot. The app is far better than the last time I used it. 

Afterwards, a beer or two at the King Eddies. Overall, it was a rather long but perfect Labour movement day.