Stephen Timms MP: East Ham Election declaration 2010

Now that I have worked out how to transfer video from my camera to the computer here is the East Ham Election declaration by the returning officer and the acceptance speech by Stephen at the Excel centre last Friday 7 May.

Stephen was of course seriously injured yesterday while holding a surgery for local people. I hope this will cheer him up a little bit.

In his speech Stephen remembers the catastrophic high unemployment in Newham during the last Tory Government and its attempts to handle recession. He also points out that all of his political opponents in this election (who were all outsiders and not Newham residents) were actually impressed with the cohesive communities we have in Newham.

Stephen Timms was re-elected MP for East Ham with the highest Labour Party share of the vote in the Country (70.4%) and had the highest individual vote for Labour. He had 35,471 votes, up from 21,327 in 2005. His majority of 13,155 in 2005 went up to 27,826. There was actually a 7.7% swing from the Tories to Labour.

East Ham MP Stephen Timms attacked at work

Shocking news this afternoon that Newham MP, Stephen Timms, had been stabbed twice in the stomach by a “21 year woman” at his Friday surgery in Becton.

I was contacted by a local reporter who asked me in a serious tone “have you heard the news about Stephen Timms”? I hadn’t - and this statement made my stomach sink. So finding out that he was stable and conscious at the Royal London hospital after being assaulted was actually a bit of a relief.

Picture is of Stephen at the East Ham General election declaration last week (third from left) where the hardworking and popular local MP won with the largest Parliamentary majority in the UK.

Check out this BBC report - my thoughts for now are with Stephen, his family and his Parliamentary team. 

It is absolutely crucial to our democracy that our elected representatives carry out surgeries but I think the circumstances of this attack should be carefully investigated and any lessons learnt - and solutions implemented. 

“The history books will be much kinder to this man...”

Tonight I was listening to the live coverage on Radio 4 of Conservative Leader, David Cameron, visiting the Queen in order to become our next Prime Minister. Labour minister (as then) Ben Bradshaw was being interviewed and I think that he spoke for many of us with these words in this post's title about how history will see former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

The media circus will now move on the Cameron coronation and its aftermath - then the future Labour Party leadership contest.

As for me? What I am thinking now about is what the imminent prospect of a Cameron/Clegg government means for my people?

I’m already starting to worry as a trade union rep about peoples jobs in our front line public services. As a Labour Councillor I’m worried about what will happen to my constituents who depend upon these front line services if there is no one to deliver them. As a brother I worry about my sister’s whose self employed husbands both depend upon Council and Government contracts for their families’ livelihood.

As a trade union rep I worry about Tory and Liberal manifesto commitments to cut pensions provision. As a Labour Councillor I worry about what will happen to my community if decent public pensions for already low paid local residents who work in schools and hospitals are slashed? As a son I worry about my old Mum who is dependent on pension credits for a livable income in her old age.

As a trade union rep I worry about Tory plans to cut workers pay, terms and conditions by letting the minimum wage “whither on the vine” and contracting out jobs to those who only pay poverty wages. As a Labour Councillor in a ward where pay is already relatively low this will be just disastrous. As an uncle I worry about my niece who works in retail who depends on the minimum wage being set at a level high enough keep her out of absolute poverty misery.

There are other thoughts and worries on similar lines.

But I am also thinking and talking to people about the future. We were beaten this time but neither did the Tories nor the Liberal Democrats win. We will have to go through the necessary post mortem and the new leadership election. However, we will then have to draw a line and plan for the next general election and make sure this time... we get a Labour victory.  Onwards and forwards comrades!

Bye, Bye Gordon

I had hoped to be drinking this bottle of “Gordon” Brown Ale obtained here while celebrating the re-election of a Labour government. It didn’t work out that way and tonight Gordon has quite properly and honourably fallen on his No. 10 sword and resigned as Party leader.

So I thought I might as well swig it down anyway.

Any excuse some would say.

I am reminded that “All political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs". Enoch Powell, Joseph Chamberlain (Thames and Hudson, 1977), p. 151.

What a rough old business is politics.

This is the email he sent to Party members this afternoon.

“I wanted to explain to you the decision I have taken today.

I have said since Friday that it is crucial that this country, which I love so dearly, has a principled and strong government that can meet the challenge of securing the recovery and changing our politics.

As we know, the Liberal Democrats felt that they should first talk to the Conservative Party. Mr Clegg has just informed me this afternoon that he intends to continue those discussions and now wants to open up formal discussions with the Labour Party. I think it is sensible that we respond positively.

It is clear to me that there is a progressive majority in Britain and I believe it could be in the interests of the whole country to form a progressive coalition government. If the national interest can be served by such a coalition then I should discharge the duty to form that government.

But I have no desire to stay in my position longer than is needed to ensure that the path to progress is assured. The reason we have a hung Parliament is that no single party and no single leader was able to win the full support of the country. As the leader of this great party, I must accept that is a judgement on me.

Therefore I intend to ask the Labour Party to set in train the process needed for a leadership election. I would hope for a leader to be in place by Labour Party conference. I will play no part in that contest and will back no individual candidate.

Once again can I thank you for your unstinting help and commitment to this wonderful party. Sarah and I appreciate the kindness you have shown us over the years.

I will of course stay in contact with you over the coming weeks and months.

Yours sincerely

Gordon Brown"

I still don't think the maths will work out for a Labour/Lib Dem coalition.  Not least since the Nats will not play ball and everyone knows that most of the Labour Party MP serial rebels will just carry on as usual.

Nice Nick meets Nasty Nazi Nick

Searchlight editor Nick Lowles confronts defeated BNP leader Nick Griffin at Barking and Dagenham Council Count. Great stuff!

Lazy Sunday afternoon catch up

This morning I had a lovely lie-in followed by a gentle jog around the park. No stalls to set up, no campaign meetings, no leaflets to deliver and no door knocking or tele-canvassing. Bliss.  I’m busy instead catching up on emails and RSS feeds so I have only just come across this entertaining election day Youtube message from Labour MP and blogger Tom Harris via Socialist Unity.

Speakers or headphones on.

Red Newham: 63 – Nil

Not forgetting for a moment that we were beaten nationally and are facing the awful prospect of a Tory/Liberal coalition government. I will congratulate Labour comrades in Newham and across London for some magnificent results.

In Newham as I have already posted here our two MPs were re-elected with massive and increased majorities and there was a swing from the Conservatives to Labour!

Our Labour Mayor, Sir Robin Wales, was elected on the first ballot with an equally huge majority and nearly 65,000 votes (68% of turnout).

While we also won all 60 Councillor seats in Newham Council with thumping majorities - defeating the last remaining Respect Councillor and seeing off the simply dreadful CPA by over 600 votes. The Tories came closest at Royal Docks ward but still lost by over 400 votes.

I was really pleased and very proud to be elected as a Labour Councillor with Ron Manley and Freda Bourne for West Ham ward. Freda came top with 3290 votes, Ron next with 3048 and I was the 3rd elected member with 2906. The 4th non-elected candidate was a Conservative who polled 886.  There was another 6 opposition candidates.

Arguable it was "65 - nil" since our London Assembly member John Biggs and our MEP Claude Moraes are both Labour as well. Check out Newham results here.

I will post further on the campaign and the ordeal of the Counts another time.

Congratulation to Barking and Dagenham comrades (and “Hope not Hate”) who wiped out all the BNP Councillors and also took all the Council seats (51 – nil). Special mention to UNISON NEC member and Lolly pop lady, Louise Couling, who DID defeat BNP Assembly member Barnbrook.

I was also ecstatic that Team Labour was elected in Tower Hamlets.   Rushanara Ali was elected MP for Bethnal Green & Bow, Respect were practically wiped out (only one seat left) and the utterly loathsome (and now exposed as cowardly) Mr Galloway, was soundly defeated by Jim Fitzpatrick in Limehouse and Poplar.

I understand that Labour will now control a majority of “London Councils”.

Finally Commiserations to all Labour Parliamentary and Council Candidates who were not elected. We must not be carried away with our relative local successes but must concentrate now on getting the National Party in shape, revitalised and re-organised in time for a probable general election coming some time soon.

Lyn Brown wins West Ham for Labour: majority more than doubles!

I am just back from an all night Parliamentary Count in the Excel centre.  A great result for our MP Lyn Brown and Labour on what is obviously on the whole a disappointing night for us (to say the least).  A 62% share of the vote and 4.2% swing from Tories to Labour.   East Ham MP Stephen Timms had another marvellous result with a 70% share and a 7.2% swing from Tories to Labour.

Now for quick shower, post this blog then back for the Newham Council result.

Will post further on this result and the election (probably when I get some sleep).

Vote Labour!

She will be back - if you don't Vote Labour

You have been warned! 

Hat-tip thingy "No-one likes a Tory".

"that why I will be voting Labour on Thursday"

Outside West Ham Church of England Primary School

Picture is from yesterday morning - of Lyn Brown (our West Ham Parliamentary candidate), Ron Manley, Freda Bourne (my fellow West Ham Council candidates) and West Ham’s “Mr Labour” Gerry (as he is known in his block).

We had been handing out “Vote Labour” leaflets to parents arriving to drop off their children at school. One mother exclaimed “Of course I will vote Labour – I have no choice, I am a Mum”.

Labour have built in West Ham Parliamentary constituency 13 new Sure Start centres, rebuilt 8 schools and there are 220 more teachers. It is a record to be very proud of and is at risk if the Tories are elected.

“On the knocker” in Canning Town South

My third canvass session on Monday was with Newham Mayor, Robin Wales and Canning Town South candidates, Bryan Collier and Alan Taylor.

There was another positive response from local residents. People coming up to you and saying “Labour – that’s my Party”.

In between sessions I had also done some leafleting of West Ham ward.

Thinking about it – I drove around Newham for most of the day and campaigned in Custom House, Royal Docks and Canning Town but I didn’t see a single opposition campaigner.

60 seconds to protect your future.

Thanks Ross.  Good points.

Gordon Brown's speech to London Citizens

"Gordon Brown has given a rousing speech to London Citizens with many critics saying it is his strongest of the campaign so far".

What fantastic passionate stuff reminding me "..the Labour Party is a moral crusade or it is nothing"

Go Gord Go (to a fourth term!)

Update: Check longer (and better I think) version of speech on Lukes blog

Left foot forward post

"Don't let the Tories steal your pension" Vote Labour on 6 May

A very good leaflet put out by UNISON Labour Link about the threat from the Tories (and the Orange Book Liberals) to public pension schemes.

These schemes have been radically reformed in recent years. They are as affordable now as they have ever been.

My pension the Local Government Scheme has nationally over a £100 billion in assets to back it.  Income alone from investments pay for around 25% of the cost. The average pension paid out is just over £4000 per year. It is not a “fat cat” pension - so why should the lower paid public sector workers suffer?

This attack is just sheer political spite.

“On the knocker” for Labour in Green Street West 2010

Picture of the Labour team (and young helpers!) at the end of our voter ID canvass in target ward Green Street West. Our West Ham Parliamentary candidate, Lyn Brown, led the charge.

In 2006 this ward was the only one in Newham taken by Respect. Since then two of the three former Respect Councillors have joined the Labour Party and are now active campaigners in the ward for Labour despite not being candidates themselves (the Newham Recorder has got this wrong).

I think this shows political commitment and great strength of character by them. Not least since the fanatical rump that remains of Newham Galloway/Respect have been up to their old tricks of violence and intimidation.

No surprise there.

Disobey Rupert Murdoch on Election Day... Vote Labour!

Brill stuff - hat tip thingy

Faithful Friends: Walk of Solidarity with Haiti

Yesterday afternoon we were canvassing in Green Street West with our Parliamentary candidate, Lyn Brown. When we came across this “Walk of Solidarity” by local inter-faith group “Faithful Friends” collecting money for the victims of the Haiti disaster. Picture is of Lyn speaking to members of the procession. Check out “Faithful Friends” website here.

It is good to see different local faith groups working together and actively promoting community cohesion.  Unlike some.

Gordon Brown - the real message.

Check out the real message about Gordon Brown and the Labour achievements now at risk.  Love the music as well.