West Ham welcomes Sadiq Khan as London Labour Mayoral Candidate

 

Today we met up with Cllr James Beckles in West Ham Ward (Newham, London) who is standing as a "Labour List" candidate in next months London Assembly Elections. He was with the East London & City candidate, Unmesh Desai and we had a special guest turn up - our London Labour Mayoral candidate, Sadiq Khan. 

As well as East Ham MP, Stephen Timms, Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, councillors and many local Party activists from across the borough (including the one and only John Saunders). Footballers in the Park also stopped to join us and listen. 

After short speeches from James, Unmesh and Sadiq, we split up into canvass teams. Two teams went to canvass West Ham while the others left for Forest Gate South. 

I led one team of 4 canvassers and was pleased that we had 46 contacts, the overwhelming majority being solid Labour. I was also really pleased when a local resident came up to us and explained she was a new Labour Party member and wanted to volunteer to deliver leaflets. She explained that she had been a Labour supporter for many years but had only just joined the Party in order to help get rid of this "rotten Tory Government". 

After coffee in the Sawmill, I stopped off to deliver leaflets to volunteers and took some photos of trip hazards that had been brought to my attention as case work. A good day. 

Vote Sadiq, Vote Labour: Out & about with Lyn Brown MP in West Ham & Custom House

 

This morning I went to my Councillor advice surgery and met with residents concerned with overcrowding and a 2nd stage appeal over travel provision. Afterwards,  I met up with my ward colleagues, activists and our MP, Lyn Brown, to knock on doors of nearby West Ham ward residents. 

We were trying to three things. Firstly, ask them whether or not they would be supporting Sadiq to be our London Mayor on May 2nd (and the other Labour candidates). Second, whether or not they would be voting Labour in the next General election and thirdly did they have case work issues they wanted to bring up with Lyn or local Councillors. 

The canvass went really well, as far as I could tell. Positive responses from residents and the few "undecided" still seemed positive and engaged. 

Unusually, I did not pick up any new case work but was stopped in the street by two constituents who had organised a petition to relocate a local bus stop due to ASB issues. We discussed the case and also that I had presented the petition to the Full Council meeting on Monday. 

Lyn and I left early to join activists in Custom House for another canvass. 

Newham Labour activists have been out today in various parts of the borough and will also be out tomorrow. A car load of Newham activists have also been out to support marginal seats outside London. 

As well as supporting Sadiq, we are also supporting our local City & East Assembly candidate, Unmesh Desai and the "list" candidates, including Newham's own, James Beckles who is 4th in line to be elected (it is a complicated system - check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_London_Assembly_election) 

Are owners of shared ownership properties being forgotten?

This post is from my Newham Councillor colleague's blog, James Beckles. While I am broadly in favour of shared ownership, it is simply disgraceful how badly many are treated with high service charges and fees, poor management and I think less than 3% "staircase" up to becoming 100% (still nearly all leasehold) "owners".

Why we still have a medieval "leasehold" system in this country deserves another post.

© 2020 Andrew Baker. 24.25th Feb Feb 2020. Photograph © Andrew Baker PR HANDOUT

"In July 2023, I wrote to Lyn Brown MP about the problems faced by residents with their shared ownership properties. While shared ownership is marketed as an affordable housing option for first-time buyers and those with modest incomes, it can become expensive in the long run due to rising service charges, rents, and mortgage costs.

Shared ownership property owners are in a precarious situation as they have short-term leases (less than 99 years) or are “mortgaged tenants” who do not fully own their share of the property. As highlighted in the report Shared Ownership: The Consumer Perspective buying more shares in the property through stair-casing can also be costly, making it difficult for many to afford.

I was and am also concerned about the seeming lack of legal attention and protection shared owners are receiving in the Government’s recent Leaseholder Act 2022, which promised to do away with the medieval leaseholder system but is still very much intact.

I highlighted my concerns to Lyn stating:

“Shared owners (or mortgaged tenants) are not within the scope of the Act or even covered by other legislation that is making its way through parliament. Shared owners who own a share of their property while paying a subsidised rent on the outstanding share of the property they do not own are:

•Subject excessive service charges which can raise to 13% – a cap should be introduced.

•Unable or discouraged from selling their share of the property by housing associations who are either not equipped to buy back or reluctant to purchase the mortgages tenants share if they chose to sell their share – housing associations should purchase the shared owners property share or advise house they can sell it on the open market without excessive fees

•Subject to the whims of management agencies often chosen or operated by a housing association – a common good should be introduced to allow shared owners more say and rights in the management of their buildings and homes,

•Penalised for stair-casing (buying additional shares in their home) by excessive legal fees and cost placed up them by the housing association – an affordable flat rate should be introduced, and fees should be transparent and accessible.

•Classed as leaseholders when they have ‘purchased’ a share in a property – their share should be converted to a freehold or commonhold

•Given short term leases – leases should be longer than 99 years granting more security and providing an asset to pass on to relatives rather than the present system where shared owners have to buy extensions to their lease again at exorbitant rates placed on them by their landlords the housing associations.”

Lyn’s response was considerate and thoughtful. I have referenced it below.

Dear James,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the shared ownership scheme for purchasing property. I understand your concerns on this issue, and I fear for the conditions shared owners face, particularly given the current economic climate.

As you are aware, shared ownership is a method whereby new buyers can purchase part of a property and pay rent to a housing association for the rest, only paying the mortgage for their part of the property. The individual who owns part of the property can then purchase more shares in the property from the housing association, sometimes leading to the eventual outcome of the buyer owning 100% of their property and becoming the outright owner.

I share your alarm over the lack of protections and reforms for shared owners within the Leaseholder Act 2022. I do not feel the Act went far enough to overhaul the antiquated and feudal leasehold system, which leaves leaseholders open to excessive service charges and poor-quality maintenance companies.

For some, shared ownership schemes are a useful way of getting onto the property ladder without having to pay prohibitively large deposits. However, I know that for many in Newham and across the country, the lack of proper protections for those within shared ownership agreements has resulted in great difficulties for primarily new homeowners.

For example, I have heard from many constituents about the pain that excessive service charges have brought. Currently, service charges can rise up to 13%, often from housing management agencies providing sub-standard service. These charges are simply unaffordable for many young couples and working families, especially as the prices of food and energy continue to soar.

Moreover, one of the advertised perks of shared ownership is the promise of ‘stair-casing’, whereby shared owners can buy more of their home as they can afford it until they own the property outright. However, I know that many shared owners have been hit by excessive and cumbersome legal fees and other costs placed upon them by housing associations, thereby preventing them from buying more of the property.

On top of this, many owners are either unable or dissuaded from selling their portion of a property should they decide to leave the home, often by housing associations who are either unequipped or unwilling to buy back the shares. This leaves some shared owners in properties they simply cannot sell or afford to leave.

Finally, I am aware many shared owners have issues with the leasehold process itself. Despite owning a portion of the property, they are legally classed as leaseholders and often given short-term leases. This creates insecurity for those living in the homes and introduces all of the problems we know come with the leasehold system.

I believe that our housing system, from rental to leasehold and outright home ownership, needs fundamental and wide-reaching reform.

In 2019, during a debate on leasehold reform, I told the Government of the conditions that many leaseholders are forced to endure, from instances of completely dead water pressure to non-existent waste disposal services. I called on the Government then to free leaseholders from the injustice of the leasehold system, but I fear that they did not listen. I will link this speech below.

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-07-11/debates/329FC410-5C69-40AC-80B1-32D470DB8B0C/LeaseholdReformhighlight=leasehold#contribution-7EBDA717-D61F-4597-8492-D3F8A1B98C50

Moreover, on 23 May this year, I voted for an Opposition motion calling on the Government to end the sale of new private leasehold houses, introduce a workable system to replace private leasehold flats with commonhold and to implement the Law Commission’s recommendations on enfranchisement, commonhold and the right to manage in full. This motion passed unanimously.

I have written to the Minister for Housing and Planning, Rachel Maclean MP, to further raise these concerns. I have asked what steps the Government are taking to ensure that shared owners are given the protections they need to live securely in their homes. I have also asked how the Government plans to reform the shared ownership and wider leasehold sector to end current abuses.

Please do not hesitate to contact me again on this, or any other, matter.

Kind regards,
Lyn Brown

Clearly Lyn has been advocating for the rights of leaseholders and owners of shared ownership properties. Shared ownership can be the right housing option for some, however more needs to be done to ensure there is equity in the housing system and share ownership is not the forgotten section of our housing system.

West Ham Ward ASB Action Day (and Italian Street Food)

 

This evening I went with Newham Council funded Met Police and Council Enforcement officers for a "walkabout" in West Ham ward, which I represent as a Councillor. Yesterday and today were ASB "Action Days" in West Ham and Stratford. Local ward Councillors were encouraged to join various teams tackling problems in our forum area. 

Tonight was very cold so there was no street drinkers to be found causing problems, so we concentrated on other issues in the locality. There was a number of actions found and I will also be raising members enquires for Newham Council, L&Q Housing Association and One Housing about public realm defects encouraging ASB, dumped cars on estate land and grossly inadequate communal area lighting. 

It was not only important for elected members to go out with our Police and Council officers to see what they do but also vital for us to listen and learn to the professionals about their experiences and their views on what works and what doesn't. This is a great initiative by officers and Cabinet lead Cllr James Beckles.  

On a more positive side, we walked pass the "Pasta Che Musica" Pop up Italian Street Food stall in Arthingworth Street, E15 and I introduced myself to the very friendly owner/chef. Which Newham officers assured me is fully licensed by the Council (and has 4.9 out of 5 google reviews) and will no doubt soon temp me to break my 2022 New Year Low Carb diet (yet again). 

"On the knocker for Labour" in Custom House with Lyn Brown MP & Unmesh Desai AM

 

This afternoon I went out door knocking with our MP, Lyn Brown and our East London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai. 

We split into 2 teams. One led by local Councillor, James Beckles, with Party activist John Morris and the other by myself and activist Martin Warne. 

It was cold but dry. I was using the Labour Party doorstep app so did not speak to that many residents but it was clear from feedback that we had significant support for Labour but a few had reservations. Our former leader, Jeremy Corbyn was brought up as a reason by some why they lost faith in Labour as a potential alternative government  but it was good that Keir Starmer was getting positive comments

But the only whelming reaction was that our residents were pleased that we were there knocking on their doors in December, listening and talking to them about their concerns.

Afterwards some of us went for a drink in the historic Black Lion pub in Plaistow and we shared some sea food from the local stall. The pub was busy with West Ham FC fans, who were obviously happy with the home win over Chelsea FC. 

I had a little bit of  jellied eel, which was tasty but has a very strong flavour (the jelly puts me off) so I stuck to the pint of prawns and crab sticks. 

Report Slum Landlords for Fly tipping!

 

It was great to see publicity here about Newham Community Safety team out and about in Newham.

"Last week Cllr James Beckles, Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety, joined our community safety cross service 3 days of action in Stratford. They were encouraging people to wear face coverings in the mall, ensuring businesses are COVID19 compliant, picking up on anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.

Police and enforcement partnership team were also patrolling.

Report it on our website: www.newham.gov.uk/report"

I am really keen that residents report slum landlords who are responsible for many fly tips, especially dumped mattresses and discarded black rubbish bags. Please report them on link above (the vast majority of good landlords are are let down by a small minority of criminals who need to be prosecuted)

Protest outside Warehouse K - Oppose the hostile environment and there is no place for hate in our borough

Yesterday evening I walked from Newham Dockside along Royal Docks to join Councillor colleagues and local residents protesting outside the historic Warehouse K which is the site of a proposed Immigration detention centre.  

Local Newham Councillors have set up a campaign group - Newham Against the Immigration Centre https://twitter.com/NewhamAgainst

We joined a protest organised by the Newham Branch of the SUTR. Local Cllr Dr Rohit Das Gupta was the first speaker. He described how the local ward Councillors had met via zoom today with the developers to make clear their opposition to the proposal. 

As well as a wide range of local residents and activists, Cllr James Beckles, Cllr Shaban Mohammed, Cllr Anam Islam, Cllr Belgica Guaña and Cllr Suga Thekkeppurayil (final speaker) were there supporting the protest. 

Councillors who are on the Strategic planning committee would not be able to attend since by law they have to remain completely neutral until they have heard the actual planning application. The application for a change of use into a 24/7 detention centre with 35 custody cells is thought to be heard next month. 

There was a wide range of speakers addressing the protest. I spoke as Newham Deputy Mayor and made it clear that we are opposed to this "prison" being built in Newham and we will do everything we can do to stop it.  I also pointed out that this warehouse was built in 1855 for imported tobacco and therefore in all likelihood produce from American slave plantations was stored here and now the Home Office is proposing to jail migrants in the same building. This is an outrage. 

"Health inequality and the impact on Newham"

Join the Newham Fabian Society this Saturday for debate and discussion on health inequalities.

We'll be joined by Dr Martin Edobor and Cllr James Beckles who, along with Newham Fabians Vice Chair Cllr Mumtaz Khan, will lead a discussion on health inequality and the impact on Newham.

🎤 Dr Martin Edobor is the Clinical Director for North Newham Primary Care Network and NHS GP at Woodgrange Road Medical Practice in Forest Gate. He is the Vice-Chair of the Fabian Society and was the Labour parliamentary candidate for Witham in the 2019 general election.

🎤 James is a councillor in Custom House and the Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety. He is a Newham Fabian Society member and has previously worked in education policy for the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and was a Compliance Inspector for the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

🎤 Mumtaz is Secretary of the Fabian Women’s Network, a councillor for Green Street West, and has led campaigns and organisations which fight to stop violence against women and access to health and social care for the BAME community.

The legacy of subjugation corrupts American society – and shows us why we need to put out own house in order too

My Newham Council Cabinet colleagues telling it as it is.

"As night turns to day, another black man is killed by the police in the United States of America – and his death is ‘televised’.

The response from the Minneapolis Democratic Mayor, Jacob Frey, to denounce the killing and sack the four policemen involved in the brutal death of George Floyd, was swift. But this has not been enough to quell anger. We know this is yet another example of police brutality which has led again to the loss of a black man’s life. 

The circumstances leading to the brutal murder of an unarmed man at the hands of the police are not new and perpetuate the dangerous trend in policing of black communities across America. The question before us is whether George Floyd’s death disrupts this trend and becomes, as Keir Starmer said on May 30th, a catalyst for meaningful change in the lives of African Americans – or whether his death merely perpetuates and reinforces ‘the cycle’:   

Step 1. Black individual stopped by the police;  

Step 2. Police brutality and then death;  

Step 3. Outrage/ protest/ twitter storm/ virtue signalling;  

Step 4. Silence and the media circus move on; and,  

Step 5. Go to ‘Step 1’ and repeat.  

If we are ever to break this cycle and change the structural inequalities that continue to define and disfigure life in the USA, we believe that a peaceful, national civic revolution is required. A commitment to social mobilisation and an effort, unparalleled in peacetime, is needed to reboot the USA so that its ethnic minorities can fully access and participate in American society. Life chances should never be defined by skin colour.   

When the Founding Fathers declared the unalienable rights of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’, people of colour were not at the forefront of their thoughts – quite the opposite. The USA was founded on the subjugation of Native Americans and enslaved Africans. It is this legacy of subjugation that corrupts contemporary American society. The acceptance that black lives matter has to become central to the American way of life if it is to have any moral purpose going forwards.

There are criticisms made of the Thirteenth Amendment in the American Constitution, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as criminal punishment. There is anger in the USA today that this was only a partial abolition and another injustice— one that concretely exists today. People still forced into grinding and unremunerated work, but as prisoners. In a number of states, the prison population is disproportionately made up of people of colour.

Incarceration rates for ethnic minorities are significantly higher than for non-ethnic minorities, African Americans are imprisoned at 5 times the rate of white Americans, and although African Americans and Hispanic Americans (those of Spanish speaking ancestry) make up 32% of the U.S. population, they make up 56% of the American prison population. 

Black men in America are also 2.5 times more likely to be killed by the police than their white counterparts. Black women are also 1.4 times more likely to killed by the police than white women. So common is death at the hands of the police it has been recognised as a leading cause of death for black men. These are systemic problems which must not only be challenged but fundamentally changed.

When it comes to the experiences of black communities, those in the US share similarities with those in UK. Yet there are particular differences in the legacy of slavery and the lived experience.

Modern British society was founded on the back of the wealth accumulated by the creation and expansion of the British Empire.

Have you ever wondered why black colleagues and friends have ‘English/Scottish/Welsh/French surnames? From where do you think some of our ancient UK businesses and cultural institutions acquired their wealth? Have you stopped to ponder the issues influencing the environment, and determining the life chances, of the young black man standing on the street corner?

Have you considered the motives of both government and parliament in removing the rights and citizenship of black British citizens? 

The challenge for the British Labour movement, in the wake of the current wave of protests, is to define and develop the changes we think are necessary if we are to bring any kind of meaning to George Floyd’s death— not to mention all the others who suffered before him.   

We need to harness the pain and the anger of the moment, honing our transformational zeal, and reaffirming that the Labour party is the home for the aspirations and desires of black communities across the UK, especially among the working class.  

Change begins with the individual, not the institution, so the first question is about what we’re doing individually within the confines of the Labour movement: how can members create lasting change rather than simply speaking about the need for it?   

The protests taking place in London and across the UK demonstrate solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the USA and bring attention to our own faults at home. However, solidarity – especially the social media variety – tends to evaporate over time. A society built, instead, on the foundations of equality, fairness, and meritocracy is everlasting.  

We need to hold a mirror up to ourselves and be honest about where we have come from and what we want to see in the future. The UK is not immune from the worst aspects of institutional prejudice. There is a list of inquiries and reviews which proves this point: the Lammy Review, the Angiolini Review into deaths in police custody and, most damning of all, the Macpherson Report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. 

Within our movement, there is still debate on how to increase the prevalence of black MPs and Councillors, especially black males, who find themselves in the minority. Where are the numbers of black senior staffers in Parliament and Labour HQ? Do we not have enough quality black graduates with an active interest in politics? We must put our own house in order first.

Our movement must seek, from this point onwards, to develop radical, anti-racist policies to deal with our own structural impediments. If black people aren’t in the room, then no one speaks for us on the policies affecting our community. If we think it is wrong for policies to be predominantly forged by white men, then we need to empower and promote women and black people in numbers that give them influence at senior levels. Perhaps, if black people were in positions of power, we would have a school system that delivers; a prison system that doesn’t warehouse its talent; and a country that protects its BAME population so they aren’t disproportionally represented in Covid-19 mortality statistics.  

As a roadmap for genuine change, we’ve set out some immediate challenges for Labour:

In The Party: Let us be the change we seek to promote. We should review and transform BAME-related political structures and increase Black representation at all levels of the Party. 

On Education: The impact of Covid-19 provides an opportunity to look again at our current educational structure. We should seize the opportunity to transform our primary, secondary and tertiary education systems, especially for black boys in our inner cities. How can we justify a policy for a national education service when sections of our community fail to benefit from the most basic of human rights? 

On Health: BAME communities are experiencing a disproportionate Covid-19 impact, whilst the Government downplays the situation by omitting the recommendations of its own BAME Disparities report. We need a credible Public health and NHS strategy, and implementation plan. Not mere slogans and protests, but genuine action to protect the BAME community.  

On Social mobility:  We don’t talk enough about social mobility and class. We should revamp our current policies, to truly promote social mobility, by appealing to the aspirations of the black community and enabling its talent to flourish. 

On Community Policing: As senior black Councillors in one of the UK most diverse boroughs, we know there is distrust between the police and sections of the black community. We can— and must— develop a plan that drastically improves perceived and actual community relations with the police. 

On Policy development: We must involve BAME communities in the development of policy outside of traditional areas such as health, education, housing and crime. We must be inclusive in our discussions on the most relevant issues of our time, such as climate change, Brexit, infrastructure, AI and the fourth industrial revolution.

Shirley Chisholm— the first black woman elected to the US Congress, and the first black candidate to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination— said in 1972: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”  

Now is the time for both: we must bring the folding chair and push for ample room at the table.

Terry Paul and James Beckles are Councillors and Cabinet Members in the London Borough of Newham and write in a personal capacity. They tweet @terrympaul and @james_beckles, respectively."

Newham Walkabouts - Repairs, ASB & Building New Homes

Last week I went on two walkabouts with my Cllr colleague, Shaban Mohammed. First was to Drakes Walk, East Ham where we met up with the local Newham Council Housing liaison officer and a resident concerned about people gaining entry into her housing block to commit ASB as well as her personal outstanding repair issues.  Repair orders have been sent out but I am meeting technical officers next week to see what we can do to make our door entry systems to our housing blocks more secure.

Walking back to East Ham town hall it was good to see the building going ahead on the site of the old Didsbury Centre (top left of collage). Newham Council is building 148 new homes at this site. We are now building new homes across Newham (at least 50% of which will be truly affordable homes set at the London Affordable rent).

Also, on the way back I noticed for the first time that inside the Newham 6th form collegiate centre there is a large plaque dated 1903 marking the founding of building with the names of my Councillor predecessors.

Later that day I went on another walkabout in my own ward in West Ham to decide on the future of a green space which has been used by street drinkers for many years, causing a serious nuisance to residents living nearby. We had present a local concerned resident, Police, Newham Council Community Neighbourhood and Safety officers as well as political leads, Cllr James Beckles and Cllr James Asser.

This green space is right next to West Ham park and 3 options were discussed i) turning it into a community garden but fenced off; 2) building new homes on the site (if possible) or 3) greater enforcement on those individuals causing a nuisance. There was also across the road disused and abandoned garages that need sorting out.

I have emailed regeneration officers details of the site to see if they are interested and we will be holding another walkabout or public meeting in 4 weeks time. 

Unless anyone has got any other good ideas for the site? 

Custom House Labour Doorstep with Lyn Brown MP & Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz

Picture collage from this morning's Labour Doorstep in Custom House, West Ham with activists and local MP Lyn Brown, Newham Executive Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz and local ward Councillors Sarah Ruiz and James Beckles.

Cara, our Labour attack dog was out with us (see middle of collage), determined as always, to strike fear in any political opponent by licking them to death and after a long canvass we were all treated to a delicious meal at the home of a local party activist. Many thanks Sayed to you and your wife for your hospitality.

It was a good canvass with positive results but it feels at the moment like a bit of a phoney war and I personally cannot wait to get the immediate threat of a "No Deal Brexit" sorted then get on to fight a general election asap. 

Saints Drive walkabout

Picture college from a recent Saturday morning walkabout in the small, low rise Newham Council estate in Manor Park called Saints Drive. I met local residents, ward Councillors(Cllr Daward and Cllr Patel) and the new (and very pro active) LBN Housing Liaison officer for the ward.

Some agreed outcomes from the walkabout included getting overgrown foliage to be cut back to improve light and discourage Anti social behaviour; blocked/inadequate drains reported; faulty and/or inadequate communal lighting; trip hazards; fly tips; inadequate sweeping; cleaning external windows; Communal repairs; removal of abandoned vehicles (this is a complicated process but can be done. Extending Controlled Parking Zones to housing owned land is a much better way of dealing with this problem); possible gating of alley ways and improved signage including details of contacting local Councillors and relevant Housing officers.

Cllr James Beckles, Cabinet member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour also did an inspection of the area later that morning.

I am really pleased that the new team of Newham Housing Liaison officers are tasked to jointly inspect with local Councillors and residents all their patch low rise blocks every 3 months and high rises every month. 

Hamfrith walkabouts then residents meeting (& being 91 years young)

This morning I went on my 3rd recent walkabout of the Hamfirth estate area with Newham Council Technical, Caretaking and Repairs officers to produce an action plan to this evenings' meeting with residents at the Atherton Leisure Centre, E7.

We are going to do 3 things on this estate to tackle serious Crime and Anti-social behaviour. Firstly, work together collectively with residents, stakeholders such as the Police, Council officers and Councillors. Secondly, improve cleaning, caretaking and maintenance of green spaces and thirdly design out crime by fencing off, closing criminal escape routes and improved lighting/security.

Tonight meeting was a little tough in parts since many residents feel they have been let down in the past and that the ASB problems on the estate impact so badly on their every day lives. Local resident Sian and I don't always agree on everything but we both know we are in our different ways trying to deliver the best for residents.

There is now an action plan which will be distributed to all residents, we have for the first time in many years, named Newham Housing officers who are responsible for the estate and we will support residents in setting up a much needed local tenants and residents association.

Many thanks for attending to our Newham Council Housing liaison officers, our enforcement officer and Councillors Winston Vaughan, Maz Patel and James Beckles (Cabinet lead for ASB/Enforcement)

The star of our show tonight,  was our oldest Hamfirth resident (we think) who is 91 years young and has lived on the estate for 66 years. As the badge says (bottom left of college) a "very kind 91 young lady" (she is bottom right of college standing to my immediate left).

"On the Knocker" for Labour in EU elections 2019 - sunshine and showers

Picture collage is from a canvass last Saturday in West Ham ward (with local MP Lyn Brown) and from yesterday in Forest Gate North.

Local Newham Councillor (and my Cabinet colleague) James Beckles, is a Labour Candidate for London, while another Newham Councillor, Rohit Das Gupta, is a Labour Candidate in South East England standing against Nigel Farage!

We got pretty wet last week and retreated to our tower blocks to continue to canvass while yesterday it poured down with rain before and after our canvass.

Elsewhere in the borough there has been a number of other Labour canvass sessions and street stalls. Both days we had big turn outs of activists. Personally, I am not aware of any opposition parties campaigning inside Newham.

So far, the results have been pretty solid for Labour but there has been some negative reactions from residents who are pro Brexit and also those who are pro Remain. I suspect that like the local Council elections last week, that the Tories will do very badly on May 23rd and that Labour will not "cover itself with glory" either.

I had a couple of interesting separate conversations with middle aged people, who have never voted in their lives. They were not hostile, they didn't have any particular objections to voting, just that they had never got around to doing it. I don't think lecturing people on ....how important voting is, on how people died for the right to vote etc really works, no matter how true this is. Explaining what happens when you walk into a polling station, that you don't need to find your polling card, how it is really secret, and you can ask polling staff questions if you don't understand anything -is more effective.

I did finish by saying that "they" never wanted to give people like us the vote and if we don't use it, they will take it away from us. 

Labour Housing Campaign Day in Custom House with Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz & Lyn Brown MP

Picture Collage from last week's campaign day in Custom House talking to residents about bread and butter housing issues as well as regeneration and crime.

#Labourdoorstep in Plaistow North

After my Councillor surgery this morning I went over to Plaistow North ward to help out knocking on doors and speaking to local residents about the forthcoming Council elections in May.

It was cold but thankfully it stayed dry. Plaistow North is next door to West Ham and very similar. A mixture of  private Victorian terraces and purpose built social housing. I got into a little bit of trouble for sending out a New Year e-newsletter to CLP members this month (as Vice Chair Campaigns and Communications) titled "Want to get fit and lose weight? Go canvassing". Some members thought it was inappropriate.

After going up and down the communal stairs in the Tibbenham Walk blocks I felt vindicated. Why spend £40 per month joining a gym when you could instead go campaigning with Labour. My Google fit app recorded nearly 7,000 steps.

The canvass itself went really well. Labour support was pretty rock solid but I was surprised how many residents had picked up on the Newham Mayoral selection and expressed let me say, very strong views on it.

PS does anyone know what the purpose of the steps and rails in the Tibbenham Walk gardens? (bottom right of picture collage)