NHS Fair Pay Virtual Rally & 2021 Elections Phone Bank – 6:30PM Tuesday, March 23 (& support UNISON "Slow clap at 8pm" Thursday March 11)

 

This evening we had a well attended West Ham Labour virtual "election" meeting with guest speakers Karen Buck MP and our Assembly member, Unmesh Desai and our MP, Lyn Brown. Karen gave her support for tomorrow's "Slow Clap at 8pm" event organised by UNISON in protest at the 1% pay insult to NHS staff https://action.unison.org.uk/page/77234/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=activist

We agreed to organise and train our activists to carry out multiple phone banking sessions until it is safe to carry out more traditional campaigning such as door knocking. 

I have also signed up also to the "NHS Fair Pay Virtual Rally & 2021 Elections Phone Bank – 6:30PM Tuesday, March 23" organised by Labour Unions. 

"Registration link: https://labourunions.org.uk/events/nhs-pay-rally-2021-elections-phone-bank/

Facebook link: https://fb.me/e/1aWJPL0Hd

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labourunionsuk/status/1369250974968209416?s=20

 NHS Fair Pay Virtual Rally & 2021 Elections Phone Bank – 6:30PM Tuesday, March 23

The Tory government are offering our NHS heroes a pitiful 1% pay rise and the whole of the Labour movement is fighting back. At this event you'll hear from trade union speakers and frontline workers about why NHS staff deserve a proper pay rise and how we can fight for it together.

As well as winning in the workplace we need to win at the ballot box, and in May this year the UK is facing a massive set of elections. That's why we'll follow these speeches with an online Labour phone bank where we'll be speaking to voters using the Labour Party's excellent tool - Dialogue.

All Labour Party members are warmly invited to this event, especially if this is your first time phone banking. They'll be a full briefing and we'll be on hand to answer any questions that you have. You’ll need to be a Labour Party member with an active Labour log in to take part and have access to a tablet/computer with an internet connection. Full Zoom details and further instructions will be emailed to you ahead of the session.

Email campaigns@labourunions.org.uk if you have any further questions or would like any assistance"

Ken's Fare Deal

A great video by Ken about fares.  Please watch. Nuf said!

Fare Deal Rally: Ken for London

From UNISON Labour Link - Ken Livingstone has announced details of his ‘Fare Deal’ Rally to bring together Londoners who are campaigning for fairer fares.

The rally will be held on Wednesday 23^rd November at 7pm at the Camden Centre, Bidborough St, WC1H 9AU and feature individuals and organisations from across London alongside leading national politicians –
Sign up to attend the rally and find more information about Ken’s campaign for fairer fares on: http://www.kenlivingstone.com/faredealrally

Plaistow North Labour Party branch "on the knocker"

Picture of the Labour Plaistow North ward canvass team (and a couple of friends) on Saturday. 

West Ham MP Lyn Brown and GLA member for City and East, John Biggs, were also on hand to speak to local residents about the importance of getting rid Tory London Mayor Johnson and electing Ken Livingstone.

Hat Tip Ali G.  Who when I asked if anything interesting or notable happened during the canvass replied "We met a Tory".

Dog Whistle Politics Win Out in London?

Okay, life moves on. Boris is Mayor and is giving conciliating interviews and patting Ken on the back at today’s assembly meeting. However ....while at the risk of making this post sound like sour grapes, please always remember this is my blog, my view, my interpretation of events.

In January I posted on a speech that City & East Assembly member, John Biggs, gave to West Ham Labour Party GC. In this speech, John spoke about his fears that the Tories have resorted to “dog whistle politics” in their political campaigning for the London Assembly elections.

“Dog whistle” politics were perfected by conservative politicians in Australia who used “coded” language in political campaigning, which appears to mean one thing to the general population but in reality is directed and targeted to a specific audience. Like dog whistles which humans cannot hear but dogs can.

To be absolutely clear – what I think went on during the recent election was a deliberate and prolonged attempt by certain Tories supporters and the media to make malicious and sensational allegations against mainly black advisers to Ken Livingstone, in order to polarise white voters and frighten them into not voting for Labour (and therefore encouraging them to vote Tory).

Former adviser to Ken on Equalities (I assume soon also to be made redundant from the GLA) Jasper Lee may well have acted inappropriately with regard to his personal life. However, there is no evidence that he was ever corrupt. The drip, drip lies, innuendo, slurs and sensationalistic reporting were to my mind a deliberate attempt to plant racist messages in the mind of white London voters.

Okay, while I am personally convinced that “dog whistle” politics was practiced during this campaign, I do not think that this was the only reason for Ken’s defeat. There were a number of other reasons. But, let’s face it “dog whistle” stuff helped.

(Heard something? - Picture of "Little Miss Muffet" and her pups circa 1971-ish)

London UNISON Labour Link – Boris, Barnbrook and winning next time.

By co-incidence this morning was the quarterly regional meeting of London UNISON Labour Link Committee (or APF - the voluntary political levy that many UNISON members pay that promotes members views and UNISON policies within the Labour Party).

It was a good opportunity to meet up with comrades from across London and different parts of UNISON to discuss the recent campaign and election results. I think that everyone was “disappointed” (to say the least) with Ken losing the mayoralty and the BNP gaining a seat. Despite the current circumstances it was a very positive, thoughtful and forward thinking meeting. An extra Labour seat was won and we did increase the Labour vote in London

This was the first meeting since the re-election of the committee; the first item was election of officers. Louise Couling and Bill Beekoo were elected Co- Chair’s while Gloria Hanson and I were elected Co-Vice Chairs.

The Greater London Assembly report was by newly re-elected Assembly member for Enfield and Haringey, Joanne McCarthy (see picture).

Joanne is a UNISON member and has been a regular visitor to London Labour Link meetings. The committee congratulated Joanne on winning her seat. It had been a key Tory target. She gave a short verbal report then answered questions.

Joanne started off by admitting that the loss of Ken had been a disaster not only for London but also for the Unions. Ken had an “open door” to the unions which Boris is not expected to follow. She thanked UNISON and the other affiliated trade unions for their work in the election. If the unions had not rallied around Labour in London in the way they did then the results could have been far worse.

There is a problem that since the Tories now control more than 8 seats in the Assembly, then Boris’s budget proposals cannot be blocked. But, since the Assembly Chairs of Committees are decided by a simple majority of members, then it is likely (not confirmed until the Assembly AGM) that a coalition of the minority Parties may be able to control the all important committees. These “Scrutiny committees should be able to monitor what Boris is up to and try to stop him from damaging London too much. Boris can also be held to account to a degree by formal “questions” to the Mayor.

Labour Link had tabled a special report analysing the overall BNP vote in the 2008 elections. We discussed this and Joanne reassured committee members that the BNP will not get the GLA money and resources that some have claimed following the election of Barnbrook. To be recognised as a “Party” in the GLA you need at least 2 seats. So it is likely that he will only get enough to employ one paid member of staff (too many). There was as we say a "wide ranging discussion" on means to combat the BNP while ensuring that GLA staff are protected. We need to careful, since Barnbrook will be using his position as a platform for the European elections next year and will thrive on confrontation and publicly. Apparently, if he does something stupid (as elected BNP councillors are prone to do) and is kicked out, then the BNP can replace him with another list candidate.

If in London we could have raised the turnout from 45.3% to 49% then the BNP would have not been elected. They only increased their total vote by just over 0.5% from 2004.

After Joanne left there was a general debate about the election, lessons learnt and planning ahead for the European elections in 2009, Council elections in 2010 and of course at some time in the next few years there will be a general election. The Tories clearly mobilised their supporters to come out and vote better than Labour. National political sentiments did not help Labour in London. However, a capable and experienced progressive candidate on the left of the Labour Party was clearly defeated by a centre right wing Tory.

There was widespread agreement by committee members over the desperate need to defeat the Tories and the vital role that trade unions can play in the coming battles. We need to remind our members of what happens when Conservatives are in power, locally and nationally.

We need to organise between now and next time to win.

Ken Says Thank You

Late last night I received this email from kenlivingstone.com on behalf of Ken thanking all his supporters.

Well done City & East for the 2.9% swing.

Someone has made a comment on a previous post that if there had been a general election in London last week, Labour would have increased its number of MP's?

Interesting that the BNP assembly vote was much higher that their Mayoral vote? Not sure that I share his conclusion that this is because they voted for Boris?

So close, but not close enough. Roll on 2012.

"I am writing to thank you for your contribution to the Mayoral election campaign.

Obviously we did not win, but what was achieved in a very difficult national context was remarkable.

Overall my first preference vote increased by 208,239 - 30 per cent, over 2004 - increasing in every GLA constituency except Bexley and Bromley. In the context of Labour's lowest national vote for some decades that was a remarkable achievement.

In the London Assembly Labour actually won an additional seat and performed better than the national average. In the Mayoral context, I polled nearly 14 per cent more than the Labour vote nationally and nine per cent more than Labour in the London Assembly who themselves polled above Labour nationally.

That achievement of our campaign could not overcome the scale of the swing to the Tories throughout the country and in some London constituencies, notably Bexley and Bromley, Havering and Redbridge and West Central.

The swing to the Conservatives was assisted by the collapse of the Liberal Democrats in London, in part due to the conservative nature of their London Mayoral campaign.

It is noteworthy that a number of parties to the right of the Tories notably the BNP polled much higher in the Assembly list than in the Mayoral vote, suggesting that some of their voters voted tactically for Boris Johnson. The BNP got 61,004 votes more in the Assembly list than in the Mayoral election, for example.

In the City and East division there was actually a 2.9 per cent swing to me in the Mayoral election.

Overall, with more than a million votes the election showed a powerful progressive alliance in London.

There is no doubt that the new Mayoralty will inaugurate decline and division.

I hope you will therefore share my view that progressive London should remain organised and ready to face the challenges to come - including a general election.

Yours sincerely

Ken Livingstone"

The Final Countdown

Above is a video of John Biggs, London Assembly member for City & East acceptance speech. John was re-elected with an increased majority. He thanks East London for its support and promises to tackle the racist and fascist BNP.

The count at the Excel Centre of four London Assembly constituencies (City & East, Havering & Redbridge, Bexley & Bromley and Greenwich & Lewisham) started at 8am and went on until midnight. I left the count at about 9.30pm yesterday evening, just after the City & East declaration. Swift couple of pints with agent and activists then I took DLR home.

This (Saturday) morning: got up late, went for run, and came home out of condition and knackered. Put off cutting the hedge until tomorrow. Life goes on.

I’ll post on the overall Labour result when things calm down a little. I think it is helpful for people to remember it wasn’t all that long ago that Labour was in the lead and Gordon Brown walked on water.

I was a counting agent for Labour. Which meant checking that tellers and verification officers didn’t make any mistakes. The staff did an excellent job in very difficult circumstances. Many of the ballot papers were not filled out correctly and it was a long, long day. It seems to my surprise that there were more correctly filled out forms than last time.

Some highlights of a not particularly brilliant day was the ballot paper which was up for scrutiny because it had “P. Rick” written next to the name of the BNP Candidate, Richard Barnsbrook. Normally if there is a “signature” on a ballot paper it is not accepted because that could identify who the particular voter is. However, sensibly the officer accepted that this was not a signature and since there was a correctly filled out X on the ballot paper the vote was accepted (think about it).

Increase in the majority of the Labour Candidate for Greenwich & Lewisham Len Duvall (UNISON member and former NUPE Branch secretary).

The “Respect” Counting agent who tried to have “a pop” on how “bad” Labour was doing? People in glass houses....

Alex Heslop, UNISON member and Tower Hamlets Councillor who as the Labour candidate for Bexley & Bromley came 2nd when in 2004 Labour had been 4th.

The BNP counting agent who sat engrossed reading (I kid you not) a copy of “The Socialist Worker” left behind by the Left List agents. He failed to question or object to any decisions made about rejecting ballot papers which may have benefited the BNP. I didn’t see personally any BNP agents challenge any decisions. I think that they did not understand the process. What was the point of them being there?

The rumours (subsequently found to be true) that Labour had gained an Assembly seat from the Tories at Brent and Harrow. Also that Joanne McCarthy (good friend of London UNISON Labour link) was ahead at the Enfield & Haringey marginal (she won as well).

The low points are fairly obvious; the massive turnout in the Tory boroughs meant only one thing. The rumour that the BNP would get a seat (later proved true despite only increasing their vote by a lousily 0.16%).

Finally, a little light relief was from a suggestion from a long standing Labour Party member (who will remain forever anonymous) that if Ken loses he should be “parachuted in” by the Party to be the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Nantwich and Crew by-election. He thought that we should contact Labour HQ on this matter. This was of course a non-starter.... Ken would never leave his beloved London.

“On the Knocker”

Picture of Forest Gate North canvass (“knocking up”) team at about 7pm last night. Other members and local Councillors were outside some of the ward polling stations.

Early on in the day we had to dodge rain and even hail. I finished off in Stratford at 9.30pm with a hastily arranged final knock up from the tele canvassing teams in the Party rooms at 306 High Street.

Personally, I thought we did very well. In the rest of the country Labour doesn’t seem to have done that "great". Mid-term third term blues? No doubt everyone will have an opinion. West Ham is a “safe” seat for Labour, but did we get enough people voting to out sway Boris in the Tory heartlands? Off now to the Excel centre as a counting agent to find out. Result due anytime from 2pm to 8pm.

London Calling "Mayday, Mayday" - Vote Ken, Vote Labour

Ken’s Café

I met up with Ken Livingstone and Labour Assembly candidate, John Biggs this morning at West Ham FC for a tour of Forest Gate and East Ham.

Ken launched the latest Labour Party billboard, “Don’t Vote for a Joke – Vote for London” (about you know who) then on route to East Ham stopped off at “Ken’s Cafe” (opposite Queens Market) for a mug of tea and bacon butty. He gave a number of interviews to press and media inside the Cafe. The tea was very good value at only 50p in a real china mug.

In recognition of my many talents I was given the crucial and vitally important role of a Labour Party balloon holder by Scottish organiser Katie. Who later deprived me of this honour in order to give the balloon’s to Mrs “Ken’s Cafe” grandchildren.

They then took the tube to East Ham and we walked down to the indoor market. Despite the rain people seemed genuinely thrilled to meet Ken and John. In these surroundings Ken was in his absolute element.

If we can transfer this enthusiasm, recognition and support into actual votes on the Day – Labour and Ken will walk it. Things are somewhat different in the outer London Tory boroughs, so we need to maximise the Vote in “City and East” Constituency (Newham, Tower Hamlets and Barking & Dagenham) to win. We’re doing our best. It's now less than 24 hours to save London from Boris!

48 hours to save London from Boris

Busy day, like many Labour activists I got just a little bit wet this morning delivering the last of our local ward leaflets.

I also thought that my time was finally up when I opened the garden gate of a terrace house, which had its front door slightly open. Once the gate closed behind me, the largest Alsatian dog known to man came charging out of the house barking furiously. I managed to make a very rapid retreat and ran out into the pavement and closed the gate behind me. As I did, I still thought I was doomed since the wolf was absolutely bloody enormous and could have easily jumped over the gate (or rather stepped over it).

However, it stayed in the garden, barking happily, obviously very pleased with itself for protecting its pack and lair from intruders. There was occasional semi-humanoid bleating noises from inside the house about “Rex – shut up” or something like that.

After work I spent part of the evening ringing up ward organisers and Party members trying to make last minute arrangements for tomorrow evening and Thursday.

Actually a lot of the hard graft has been carried out by our “Scottish Organisers”. Many, many thanks for their hard work and support.

I dropped off UNISON plastic bags full of Labour “eve of poll” postcards to volunteers on the way home. Had a conversation with a Party supporter and family (who also had to protect me from their family mutt) who were just incredulous that Boris had any chance of becoming mayor.

Many people think Boris is such a joke that he will never be elected. I gently remind people that in Hartlepool they elected a Monkey as a Mayor.

Ring of Democracy – Keep Nazis out of London

Following the WMD rally, there was straight away a symbolic “ring of democracy” formation around City Hall. This was organised by SERTUC and other London unions, especially UNISON which represents staff who are employed at the GLA.

There had been a bit of a “hick up” since there was a water main burst which meant that City Hall was actually closed since there was no water supply. The GLA UNISON banner was locked away and unavailable so they carried the UNISON London regional Banner.

The “ring of democracy” went ahead successfully. UNISON London regional Convenor Gloria Hanson (left in picture) and GLA UNISON branch secretary Teresa Askew (see next to Gloria) both spoke about their member’s horror about the prospect of having to work for any BNP Assembly members.

Hopefully of course this will not happen. However, it depends on turn out. High turnout means no Nazi /BNP in the London Assembly;

Low turnout means that London will have Nazi/BNP in the assembly.

Please do whatever you can to maximise the vote (and of course to vote Labour – warts and all).

Labour St George Stall on Green Street.

After work I met up with West and East Ham CLP Labour activists, Newham Labour Councillors and Labour City & East Candidate, John Biggs, in Green Street for a “Superstall” (see picture).

We set up in the usual position opposite Barclays Bank. We were giving out the famous West Ham Labour Party balloons to children who promised faithfully to vote Labour when they were 18.

We also handed out leaflets outside the local underground station and sent canvassing teams into the neighbouring streets.

I thought that we had a really good reception. While I appreciate that the opinion polls are very tight and there is no room for any complacency, I thought the electoral atmosphere was "positive".

The activists I spoke to were really pleased with the news about the protection for low paid taxpayers who had lost out from the abolition of the 10p tax rate. Well done Alistair and Gordon for listening to what was a simple but potentially dangerous situation that just needed sorting ASAP.

I don’t think now that the Labour Party will be damaged in the long term at all by this. The Party and the Government has shown the wider world it will listen and if necessary act to sort out any damaging policies. (While we are at it - how about equality for agency workers next?)

48 hours of Joy and Sorrow

A very powerful unofficial YouTube video on why Ken should be returned as Mayor of London. This has been out for a few days now but it was only tonight that I saw it for the first time.

Forget the politics for a moment, to me this video illustrates why Ken, despite his imperfections is fit for office and why Boris, despite his imperfections is not.

This video I think is worth a view by all Londoners who experienced 7/7, no matter what you think of Labour.

Hat tip to Hopi Sen

"Out and About" in Plaistow North

I was going to call this post “The Magnificent Seven” but luckily sanity prevailed. Of course there were 8 of us including my good self and more members arrived during the course of this particular canvass.

However, I do like yesterday’s photo of Lyn Brown MP, local councillors and West Ham CLP Party members, just before we went off to carry out voter ID for the GLA elections in Plaistow.

I felt that it went pretty well. Ray and (Cllr) Jon even recruited a new Party member.

People were pleased I think on the whole, that we were calling at their homes to canvass their views and ask for their support. At one house when I pressed the door bell, instead of a ringtone it played an Islamic recorded greeting "As sala'amu alaikum" (peace be upon you) - which was nice (they were out).

One lady responded to my pitch by saying “We are teachers; of course we will be voting Labour”. Which was even better. I thought it best not to mention the forthcoming NUT /UCU strike this Thursday. However, one of our keenest canvassers that day is also one of the chief organisers of the strike at his FE college (they are also “out” the same day). Education is not a direct responsibility for Ken or the Assembly in any case (yet).

At one of my last visits the occupant was visibly horrified when I asked him who he will be voting for on May 1st. He said "that was between me and the ballot box”. However, when I said “fine, sorry to bother you, here is a leaflet for Ken and John Biggs – hope you will consider voting for Labour”, he turned round and said “Oh, don’t worry mate, we always vote Labour, just it’s none of your business asking”.

This is fair enough I suppose. Mind you, if he doesn’t vote that day, we will be “knocking him up” (early and often).

Tele-canvassing for Ken and Labour

(Please note the very subtle and subliminal visual “Vote Labour” message that we are exposing the volunteer activists to while they are telecanvassing).

This evening, after work, I stopped off at the West Ham Labour Party CLP HQ in Stratford to help out with the telephone canvassing. Picture is of top Plaistow North Councillor and UNISON/Unite member, Jonathon Knott, on the “dog and bone” for Ken & Labour.

It is a fascinating process canvassing for Ken and Labour. You speak to traditional solid Labour supporters, and then ring someone who never normally votes Labour but will vote for Ken! Of course, you also get those who will vote Labour for John Biggs and the Labour list candidate but cannot abide Ken.

Overall, I thought that my session was pretty positive for both Ken and Labour.

All this also means that there is plenty of potential for voter confusion. Last time there was 150,000 spoilt votes in London? The number of such votes could decide the election? The prospect of a similar this time or even worse is a truly horrible night-mayor! (Joke)

Vote for London: Vote Ken

Ken sets out his vision for London in tonight's election broadcast. Check it out. I think that Ken comes over really well? So does London!

Ken meets London Labour Party campaigners

Last night I went to a meeting of the Labour Greater London Assembly & Mayor campaign 2008 at the Party HQ in Victoria Street.

It went very well. There was a good mixture of London assembly members, the Mayor Ken Livingstone, London MP’s, PPCs, MEPs, Councillors, Regional board members and TULO members.

Picture is of Harriet Harman, Labour Party deputy Leader (who addressed the meeting), Ken, Joan Ryan MP, Len Duvall AM (Chair) and Ken Clark (Regional director).

Ken was on good form and gave his usual cracking speech. He was introduced by Len beforehand as the model candidate who always does what his agent is told to do and never interferes in the campaign. Of course.

Register Now to Stop the BNP

Straight lift from Harry's Place - by Jonathon Hoffman.

The London Mayoral elections are less than four months away. Ken versus Boris promises to be a fascinating and close contest, but the London Assembly elections are just as important – arguably, more so.

The reason is that the racist BNP stands a real chance of winning one (maybe even two) Assembly seats. This would be in the 11 seats that are elected London-wide (there are in addition 14 constituency seats which are elected on a First-Past-the-Post system).

To win a seat, the BNP needs to win 5% of the ‘London-wide’ votes (in the 2004 election it won 4.71% and issues such as immigration and militant Islamism are obviously higher on the agenda than they were then).

You may have heard about the BNP’s bitter internal feud which began just over a month ago. But the BNP heartland in East London has been little affected, in the judgment of Nick Lowles of Searchlight:

"However, the rebellion appears to have run its course in terms of personnel leaving as well as the regions affected. Virtually no-one from the North East, Wales, West Midlands, London, Eastern, South East or South West has joined the rebels and with Eddy Butler deciding to stick with the party leadership the all-important East London and Essex branches have been rebellion free. ...He must have been heartened by fact that no organiser or councillor in London has broken ranks and with the London Assembly elections being contested under PR he surely thinks that a strong showing here will silence his doubters. The 2009 European Elections, again contested under PR, will be another centrally run election and so the effects of depleted branch structures, such as in Yorkshire, will be negligible.

However, this strategy will stand or fall on whether Griffin can get people elected to the London Assembly and the European Parliament. With the exception of the Barking and Dagenham breakthrough, Griffin hasn't really delivered a great deal since 2001-2003 and that was more down to external factors than his own fantastic leadership."

If the BNP were to win a seat, it would represent another rung on the ladder of ‘respectability’ that they crave. First the Oxford Union, then the London Assembly….

John Cruddas (the Labour MP for Dagenham) is doing a great job fighting the BNP in East London. The best way to help him is to maximise the turnout on 1 May. The higher the vote, the lower will be the BNP’s share.

Please copy/paste this article and distribute it as widely as possible.

There are two ways to maximise the turnout. First, everyone who is registered should make sure they vote – in 2004 the turnout was only 37%. Second, everyone who is eligible should register. The deadline for this is 5pm on 16 April.

To be able to vote, you must live in London and be over 18 on 1 May.

Many people do not realise that EU and Commonwealth citizens can vote and it is in these categories that the potential for registration may be greatest. So please tell anyone in this category.

Here is a site which contains a form to register to vote.

Here are the member countries of the EU:
Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom

Many Bulgarians, Czechs, Hungarians, Poles, Romanians and Slovaks live in London. BNP policy is to favour native British workers over non-British ones. It is therefore in their interest to register and vote - for anyone except the BNP.

Commonwealth countries include:
Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa. A full list of Commonwealth members is here

UPDATE: check out 2012 Stop the BNP/Hope not Hate site here