https://newhamvoices.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Newham-Voices-June-2026.pdf
At this very site, four workers tragically died in a wholly avoidable incident caused by carbon monoxide poisoning in an underground shaft. Three of them lost their lives while heroically trying to rescue others, succumbing to the gas themselves.
Thanks go to local Newham MP James Asser for attending and speaking on the importance of workplace safety, and to Clarion Housing Group Health and Safety Advisors who laid a wreath. UNISON National Officer Andrew Dobbie, who researched the tragedy, gave a talk at the actual shaft where these workers died.
GMB rep Simon Rush read a message from Newham Labour Mayoral Candidate. Forhad Hussain, an engineer working on a major construction project, reflecting on lessons still relevant today from these preventable deaths. GMB member Heather Lafferty also made a moving personal contribution.
It was also so good to hear from Labour Movement stalwart and retired Unite, UCU member, John Saunders, who delivered a passionate speech about the countless workers who have needlessly died over the years, here and across the globe. Many thanks as well to local Stratford Cllr Sabia Kamali for her support.
It was a proud Labour Movement Day.
I started with my Labour & Co‑op Councillor Surgery at the newly refurbished Vicarage Lane Community Centre. It’s looking fantastic — bright, welcoming, and nearly ready for bookings. I’ll share more on that soon.
From there, I joined Adjoa for a positive canvass in the ward. My very first conversation was with someone previously marked “Against” Labour who now rated herself a 10/10 Labour voter. A reminder that people do change their minds — especially when they feel listened to. There was also some complex casework involving long‑running neighbour disputes, the kind of issues that really test patience and persistence.
I cycled to Stratford, enjoying the newly resurfaced stretch from Stratford Park to the L&Q HQ — smooth tarmac and clear cycle markings make such a difference.
On the Central line I bumped into Stella Creasy MP, and we had a good chat before the inevitable photo outside with Forhad Hussain, our Newham Mayoral candidate, and Cllr Sabia Kamali.
I joined the UNISON bloc on the Together March and helped carry the Greater London banner. Not heavy — but the wind certainly tried its best.
The march itself was inspiring. I understand the police estimate around 500,000 people came together to say clearly and proudly that whatever our differences, we stand united against racism, bigotry, and far‑right extremism.
One moment that meant a lot to me: I asked for a photo beside a placard reminding us that our grandfathers fought the far right in the Second World War. The woman holding it told me her grandfather landed on D‑Day and helped liberate Bergen‑Belsen.
Both my grandfathers also served in the war and fought against Nazism — something I carry with real pride.
There was a tiny minority who seemed to think “togetherness” only applied on their terms, but thankfully they were ignored by the overwhelming majority who understood the spirit of the day.
I left the march at Piccadilly Circus to head back for a Little Ilford canvass. On the train I ran into Chris, former secretary of my UNISON branch — another nice moment in a day full of them.
Before canvassing, I stopped at the Plaistow Café for their famous Big Belly Breakfast — my first meal of the day and very much needed.
The 4pm canvass in Little Ilford went well. More positive conversations, and it was great to see candidate Sharon Shawda, full of energy and determination, speaking to every resident she could. (For more on Sharon’s work, see my post: https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2026/02/newham-for-newcomers-by-sharon-chawda.html .)
Our guest speaker was the Political Advisor to the Palestine Ambassador, Marwan Yaghi. His family is still in Gaza.
Many thanks to all the organisers.
The street surgery itself went well but it was a warm and sunny day with many residents obviously out shopping or enjoying the weather. It was also difficult to gain entry into some of the newer blocks in this area.
I helped some residents with some housing repair issues and advice on waiting lists etc but the only "political" conversation, I had was with a cheerful young man, who answered the door and said he did not know anything about politics but said he had heard about Reform but did not know what they would do for him or his family.
I gave him the example that Reform wanted to dismantle the NHS and introduce a health service based on insurance policies. He was pretty rude about that possibility and said "100% for Labour then". Hopefully, I have pointed him in the right direction.
There was some lovely individual gardens on the estates and an impressive new play area and Community garden.
Started at the Oval Cricket club 10am, walked along south bank towards Rotherhithe, back to Tower Bridge, crossed to north of Thames and walked west until Vauxhall Bridge. Had lunch at Oval then walked west along south of Thames and then crossed Putney Bridge. Walked East alongside Thames (in darkness) until Vauxhall then back to Oval for 6.25pm.
Listening to music and podcasts took my mind off the aches and pain.
Over 30 of my colleagues from Clarion took part and also 2 Newham Councillors, Cllr Kamali and Cllr Chadha.
Many thanks to staff from the organisers https://www.ultrachallenge.com/london-winter-walk/ for looking after us so well.
Will I do next year? Maybe, but see how much pain I will be in tomorrow and the next few days. I will post more photos on Facebook.
You can still sponsor me. Many thanks for all those who have donated so far. https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-gray-1702669640623
The hall was fully booked and well supported by local residents including the Mayor, Chair of Council and other Councillors. Also many people from outside Newham.
There was a number of powerful speakers but the most powerful and personal one was by Hulya Yilmza, who is from the region in Turkey that has been most affected. She described the loss of her family members and friends and some of the horrible injuries they had suffered.
Many thanks to my Councillor colleague, Sabia Kamali, the Sisters Forum and sponsors for organising this important event so quickly and running it so well.
You can donate online https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/emergency-earthquake
Monday evening was the full council meeting at the Old Town Hall in Stratford. I spoke in favour of the Climate emergency update and gave what I thought was a gentile dig at the two new Green Councillors for opposing it. While their job is to be the opposition to the majority group at Newham Council, they should not in my view just oppose everything for the sake of opposition. I was pleased that they abstained at the actual vote and did not "oppose" the update.
I was also really pleased that former long serving Councillor, Pat Holland, was awarded as an "Alder Person" for the Borough in recognition of her work for residents.
Tuesday evening was another meeting at the Old Town Hall. This time the local Housing Forum, which was really positive. It was great that senior Housing managers met up with residents, face to face, to listen and respond to their concerns (similar to speed dating!).
On Wednesday evening I attended virtually my UNISON branch General Purposes & Finance Committee meeting.
Thursday evening we had a virtual induction for my new role as a member of Education, Children & Young People Scrutiny. Which I am really looking forward to being a member of this so important committee.
Friday evening I met up with former housing colleagues from Tower Hamlets UNISON for a birthday beer and curry.
Saturday morning I covered the Councillor surgery for my colleague Cllr Whitworth at Stratford Library, who is away on leave. I had what I thought was a constructive meeting with local residents about very serious and multiple ASB issues. But also was able to look at the various historical pamphlets and documents in the library (see picture of Queen in 1953 and Vicarage Lane E15 in 1960's)
Sunday, I had a lovely recovery walk in Chilterns which I will post upon separately.
