New(ham) "Kids" on the Block

Yesterday evening I attended a Newham Council induction "Open

Day" for Councillors.

I think this year there are 21 "new" Councillors out of the 60 in total (5 of whom have actually been councillors in the past).

There was a lot of the necessary form filling, meeting with Democratic services and other key staff as well as workshops on communications, community leaders & engagement and ICT.  This was followed by a tour of the very impressive Newham Dockside building and its facilities. 

There are a series of other induction workshops during the next few weeks and months.  This is the start of a big learning curve for all of us.

(Standing from Left : Councillor Terry Paul, Mukesh Patel, Jose Alexander, Gavin Pearson, Charlene McLean, Forhad Hussain, Charity Fiberefima, Salim Patel, Leanora Cameron.  Sitting: Nirmal Kaur Chadha, Sheila Thomas, me, Firoza Nekiwala)

Left are Becton and Forest Gate North ward Council members, Ellie Robinson and David Christie, who did turn up for the induction but could not make the first 2010 "newbie" photo session.  (while on right Farah Nazeer, member for Little Ilford was unable to attend)

Councillor John Gray

Yesterday I officially became a Councillor for the London Borough of Newham following my election for West Ham ward on May 6. Last night I went to my first meeting in Newham Town Hall and was slightly embarrassed by staff calling me “Councillor” as if this was something perfectly ordinary and usual.

I will admit at the risk of appearing too sentimental while sitting in the Council chamber last night I did think about my old Dad who had also been a Labour Party Councillor in the past. He was another John Gray, who had also been a trade union assistant branch secretary (Electricians Union) who was elected to serve in Buckley District Council, Flintshire, North Wales in the 1950’s.

Sadly he is no longer with us but I know that he would have been very proud that I had become a Labour Councillor.

The picture left is of him and is the same one that he used in his Council election leaflets.

Why we don’t want any return of the Tories...

Anna Lynch “really hopes that when she returns to work on the 11th May the NHS continues to remain under a Labour government.

Remember waiting lists of years (now 18 weeks from seeing your GP to being treated) the trolleys in A &E (now 4 hour waits) the lack of equipment, nurses, doctors and others who make a difference to you and your family”.

This comment was made by NHS nurse and UNISON member, Anna Lynch, on her Facebook page. Anna is also standing to be a Labour Party councillor in Weavers ward Tower Hamlets.

I first met Anna while campaigning in the 2005 General Election.  She will be a superb Councillor.

Many, many moons ago I use to be an estate officer in Columbia Road. It was my first housing job in London and a great place to work.

UNISON White Rose Ringer on “dog and bone” for Labour in West Ham

Well, I just couldn’t resist this headline but tuesday evening we did have two UNISON Labour Party members, born and bred in Yorkshire (and others) tele-canvassing Canning Town from our West Ham CLP HQ.

One is now a fully fledged Londoner and Newham resident while the other is a Leeds activist in London for a UNISON Employment rights/TUPE course who was gently “persuaded” to come and “fight the good fight”.

Yorkshire is the home of many tele-banking and marketing organisations.  I understand that one reason for this is that the Yorkshire accent is seen as "honest, trustworthy, thoughtful and wise."

From the voter ID returns and listening in to the conversations I think East Londoners agreed!

Bow Labour Party Xmas Social 2009

On Thursday evening I had been invited to attend this local Labour Party social which took place at the Eleanor Arms in Old Ford Road.

The “Eleanor” is a well run traditional East End pub and since I have worked close by for most of the last 14 years it has not been unknown for me to stop there and have a quick sherbet or three. There have also been a number of Tower Hamlet council staff leaving “Do’s” held there in the past.

I first got to know many of the local activists when I was part of Tower Hamlets TULO and I worked with them in the 2005 General Election and 2006 Council Elections. They were “interesting times” to say the least.

Being a Labour Party function there was of course plenty of gossiping - dominated by the National and local elections next year. For some reason many of those present were engrossed in the ongoing Labour Party selection processes for candidates in the local Council elections next year (Labour holds all 6 seats in Bow and holds the Council overall)?

It was a very good mix of people and it was a shame that I had to leave early and missed seeing some of those who came later.

Despite being in a hard place politically such well attended functions full of enthusiastic activists, young and old, show the Labour Party is still live and kicking.

Many thanks for the black and white photos taken by ace photographer and blogger Dan McCurry (top left)! Double click on photo to bring up detail.

Newham Independent Selection Team Says...Yes!

Last week I received notification from the London Labour Party panel for Newham Borough Elections 2010 that I had been “recommended for inclusion” as a prospective Labour candidate. (i.e. passed).

I had the interview the week before in East Ham Town Hall. This was the first formal interview I have had for over 10 years (I think?)

There is still a long, long way to go. Next thing is to get yourself adopted as a Labour Party candidate for a Newham Ward. Usually you have to make a presentation to the local Labour Party ward members and answer their questions. Then there is a secret ballot and the top 3 are selected as candidates (one at least has to be a woman). This is likely to begin in September.

If the local ward selection meeting is not quorate then the Regional Party selects candidates.

If you get selected as a candidate you then of course have to pass the final “big test” and get yourself elected by the good people of Newham!

(see previous post on original application here)