Bank holiday "On the Knocker" for Labour in West Ham

 

Today and Sunday have been another couple of “full on” campaigning days for Labour candidates and activist supporters across Newham. In West Ham, we’ve had three sessions each day, including attending community events and services. 

Huge thanks to our West Ham and Beckton MP, James Asser, for joining us today, and to the well-respected West Ham ward Councillor (and my good friend and mentor) John Whitworth, who is retiring this year after 12 years of service.  

The weather has been mostly great – warm with plenty of blue skies, just the odd spot of rain that quickly cleared. It was lovely meeting many West Ham residents who have already voted Labour by post and catching up on casework they’d previously raised with us.  

Residents particularly value that Labour is the only party offering local, confidential, free advice surgeries every Saturday morning in the ward from 10am–11am (excluding Bank Holidays). None of the other candidates have ever done anything remotely similar for the ward, either before or during the campaign.  

The campaign carries on tomorrow, Wednesday, and of course Thursday. The count is on Friday when results will be announced – first the Mayoral vote, then the Councillors. In West Ham, we’re feeling positive but will approach the campaign, as all candidates should, as though it could be won or lost by a single vote.

(I need to ask the Newham History Group about the wall plaque in the bottom left that intrigued James and me. It appears to be some sort of boundary mark but connect with Rotherhithe in Surrey)

International Workers Memorial Day 2026: UNISON Housing workers "Remember the Dead & Fight for the Living"

Today, the Greater London UNISON Housing Association branch marked International Workers Memorial Day at the “clasping hands” statue in 3 Mills Green, Stratford, for what I believe is the 17th year. This day honours workers in the UK and around the world who have lost their lives or been injured at work due to accidents or industrial diseases.  

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. 

Royal Docks, West Ham & Maryland Campaign Day 11.4.26

 

✊ A Strong Day of Campaigning Across Newham

Today was one of those days that reminds me why I love campaigning in Newham — full of energy, purpose, and real conversations with residents.

🚴‍♂️ Royal Victoria: Starting the Day with Leafletting

The morning began in Royal Victoria, leafletting with Cllr Steve Brayshaw. On the cycle over, I saw something I haven’t witnessed in a long time: a large-scale Traffic Police speeding and vehicle check operation. A proper, visible enforcement presence — and frankly, well done to them.

🗳️ West Ham: Canvassing with Adjoa, Sam & James Asser MP

From there I cycled to West Ham for a canvass with fellow candidates Adjoa and Sam, our activists, and James Asser MP.

Fresh from completing the nomination process at the Newham elections office, I was proudly wearing my Labour & Co‑operative Party rosette for the first time.

We were joined by two brilliant activists from Harrow who are aiming to visit all 32 London boroughs during the campaign — we were number 21 on their list. I’ll share their write‑up when it’s published.

A quick Greggs sandwich kept me going.

One highlight was speaking with a former Newham Labour Councillor and trade unionist whose Jewish family had been proud champions of the historic fight for the 8‑hour working day. A reminder of the deep roots of our movement.

🏚️ Casework: Damp and Mould

I was invited into a nearby home to see shocking damp and mould in a child’s bedroom. I’ll be making an urgent referral to L&Q — no family should be living in those conditions.

🌆 Maryland: Final Canvass with Mel, Reece & Uma Kumaran MP

The day ended in Maryland with Cllr Mel, candidate Reece, and my own MP, Uma Kumaran. We had a series of warm, constructive conversations with residents — and Uma and Mel were brilliant at stepping in to speak with people who wanted to raise specific issues.

One health worker and I had a long, thoughtful discussion about the concerns many trade unionists have regarding the Green Party’s leadership, particularly around their lack of commitment to a Just Transition for workers. It’s a conversation happening across the movement.

My final doorstep was with a housing worker — a traditional Labour voter — who simply wanted reassurance that Labour in Newham will deliver. I told him what I genuinely believe: Forhad Hussain is born and bred here, raising his family here, and has deep experience both in the Council and the private sector. He will work collectively with councillors to deliver for residents.

And I stand by that.

Remembering West Ham Station Attack - 50th Anniversary

 

Two separate events were held to commemorate the murder of 34-year-old Underground driver Joseph (Julius) Stephen on 15 March 1976. 

He was shot dead while trying to stop an IRA terrorist after a bomb exploded on his train, injuring nine passengers. Another passenger was shot and seriously wounded before the terrorist was overpowered by an unarmed police officer. 

Mr. Stephen was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal but left behind a widow and a four-year-old son. 

The first commemoration was organized by the charity Ancre Somme Association, with speeches from Northern Irish MP Carla Lockhart and local West Ham MP James Asser, and attended by family friends.

The second, marking the 50th anniversary, was organized by TFL and the RMT union, of which Mr. Stephen had been a member. 

Many thanks to the charity and TFL for both well-attended events, which the family seemed very pleased with. It is only right that we remember and honour a brave public servant who sacrificed his life to protect his passengers, as well as all those injured in the attack.

Labour Plaistow Super Saturday

 

Yesterday, after the West Ham litter pick, I cycled to Upton Station for the 1pm Plaistow Super Saturday campaign session. There were four different events across Plaistow that day, supported by East Ham MP Stephen Timms and West Ham & Beckton MP James Asser. 

I was assigned to a team backing local Plaistow North Councillor Zulfiqar Ali and his candidate team, Joy and Pervez, who were out with other teams. 

Zulfiqar, a well-known and active councillor, personally knew many residents and had a great rapport with them. The canvassing went really well, though there were a few tough conversations with residents who had been let down by both social and private landlords, as well as by fifteen years of Tory governments failing to provide enough social housing to meet demand. 

It’s important to be honest with those in desperate situations that change won’t happen overnight, but Labour is committed to delivering hundreds of thousands of truly affordable homes for those who feel they may never get on the housing ladder. 

One thing I heard for the first time, which made me angry, was from a resident who said corrupt letting agents and private landlords were taking money from vulnerable tenants by falsely claiming that eviction would help them get a council house—completely untrue, and in fact likely to have the opposite effect. If I find any evidence of this, (and I will be looking) I will report it to the police and other enforcement bodies. 

The weather was warm, with blue skies and sunshine, and the beautiful spring blossom made it even more enjoyable. 

"Newham for newcomers" by Sharon Chawda

 I sadly missed the book launch because I was away at the LGA Labour conference. Guest speakers at the launch included local MPs Stephen Timms, Diane Abbott, James Asser and our Labour Mayor candidate, Forhad Hussain. 

While researching the book Sharon interviewed me and very kindly gave me a copy which I am reading with real pleasure and will post a review once I am finished. 

Sharon is also standing to be a Newham Labour Councillor in May. She is simply a force of nature on the campaign trail - bright, positive, hard working and deeply committed to our community, She will make an excellent Councillor.

You can find links to buy her book at https://newhams.netlify.app including via Newham Books affiliate page https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/newham-for-newcomers-my-journey-your-guide-our-community-sharon-chawda/30a36c3fd6ad8645

"History, hardship and hope in one East London borough"
Newham for Newcomers is a clear-eyed guide to one of Britain’s youngest and most diverse boroughs. Mixing local history with voices from residents, traders, councillors and campaigners, it looks at housing, work, sport, faith, politics and safety ... while not shying away from poverty, crime or bad planning.
Join committed local resident Sharon Chawda on a tour of the clubs, libraries, community gardens and grassroots projects at the beating heart of Newham.
“An original and well written portrait of this intriguing East London Borough. Newham is fortunate to have been discovered by such a talented young local author.” – Antonia Fraser
“As a neighbouring Northeast London MP I am delighted that Sharon Chawda has portrayed Newham’s effervescent diversity with such style and charm in her first book. I predict that she has a bright political and literary future ahead of her.” – The Rt Hon. Diane Abbott MP

Newham Labour raise over £11,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians

 

Picture from last weeks Newham Labour fund raising event (11 December) for Medical Aid Palestinians. In a packed restaurant in Stratford, all our MPs and Labour Candidate for Mayor, Forhad Hussain, came and spoke in support. 

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.

Newham "ACTIVATE" training & out canvassing for Labour Mayoral Candidate - Forhad Hussain

I was very pleased to be selected again as a Labour Councillor candidate for West Ham ward in Newham. Today around 60 Newham fellow candidates, attended an all day training in Forest Gate run by the Labour Activate programme. This was the first time that we had met together. It was probably one of the best political organising training courses I have been on. 

There was a nice mix of presentations, Q&As and small group work. It was very clear that the presentation team were very experienced and competent. 

After lunch there was the inevitable Group photograph with us all and our new Labour Mayoral Candidate, Forhad Hussain, local MPs Sir Stephen Timms, James Asser, Uma Kumaran and Unmesh Desai AM. Photos - no doubt will follow. 

Then Forhad gave a short, well received speech outlining who he was, why he is in politics and what he is determined to achieve for Newham if elected. 

Next we were taken out in small groups with a tutor to actually go out and practice what we had learnt. Each of the Group took turns to brief the team, on what to do when out campaigning, then each lead us for 10 minutes "running the board" (leading and directing the team and inputting feedback online via their phone). 

It got very, very wet towards the end but despite the rain it did not "put a damper on" a really positive day.  Tomorrow we finish the course with an "online session". 

Labour Conference 2025: Sunday

Conference started at 11am. I was at a UNISON delegation pre meeting at 9am were we confirmed who would speak on debates and which motions to support or oppose. First item was Conference Arrangements Committee Report, where delegates whose motions had not been accepted for debate were given the opportunity to ask for this to be reconsidered. Conference voted to accept the report.

There was also a minutes silence to remember Party members who have died during the past year. A list of names was shown on the main screens to music, which included the name of Newham Councillor, Neil Wilson. 

There was also number of good speakers including a passionate speech on the new Hillsborough Law followed by a choir singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

There was also international speaker, Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who gave a very thoughtful speech on how the Labour movement’s in both our countries had chosen Parliamentary democracy rather than protest to benefit working people. 

After Conference I went to be part of a panel for a fringe with Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy, Security & Net Zero), Bill Esterson MP (Chair of Energy, Security & Net Zero) and Tessa Khan (Uplift).  The panel was chaired by Sue Ferns (Prospect). I was there in my role as Vice Chair of Local Authority Pension Fund Forum. I will post later on this event. For some reason the photographs were all red!

Afterwards I joined friends and colleagues at the best social of conference, the Labour Friends of Bangladesh event and had a fantastic meal with one or two speeches.

 

Plaistow South By Election Day: Knocking up

Back at home after a long day campaigning. The result should be declared soon. A superb effort by our candidate Ash, our organiser Sarah and Agent Morris. Also a tribute to our local party activists, Council members, our MPs Uma, James and Stephen and help from other London boroughs. 

This is probably the most closely fought by election in recent years. Many residents are disillusioned with national politics, some local issues and the ongoing cost of living crisis. The turnout also appears to be low. It was interesting that the Tories and Reform were out campaigning and appeared to be more concerned with each other rather than competing with Labour. 

It was also great to go campaigning with our Newham Labour Mayoral Candidate for 2026, Forhad Hussain. 

UPDATE: Sadly Ash did not win on this occasion. He is probably the hardest working candidate I have ever worked with. Politics can be cruel at times. The national and local issues mentioned above overwhelmed us yesterday. He and Labour will be back. 

Last Saturday and Monday: Plaistow South By election

 Busy, occasional damp then sunny, full on campaigning days. By election is this Thursday 18 September 2025.

Matchgirls Strikers Exhibition at House of Commons

 

Last week on Tuesday evening I was privileged to be invited to the opening of an exhibition in the House of Commons on the 1888 Matchgirls Strike in Bow, East London. This successful strike against low pay, bullying and unsafe working practices was organised and led by working class women. 

The exhibition was organised by the Great Granddaughter (Sam Johnson) of one of the strike leaders, Sarah Chapman who is buried in Newham. 

Many thanks to my MP, Uma Kumaran (Stratford and Bow) for sponsoring the display. It was great to see Angela Rayner MP and James Asser MP also at the opening. 

I worked for many years in Bow, in a housing office directly opposite the site of the strike (the Bryant & May match making factory). 

Newham Council AGM 2025

Last Thursday evening was the Newham Council AGM, which was held this year in the new Shipman Youth Zone.

In this picture taken at the end of the meeting I am with the Chair of Council (our civic major), Cllr Dr Rohit Das Gupta, our local MPs James Asser and Uma Kumaran and the Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz together with some of the officers of Newham Labour Group. I am now its chair (again!). 

Workers Memorial Day 2025: Clasping hands statue in Stratford, Newham

 

Last week my UNISON branch organised the annual Workers Memorial Day event at the "Clasping Hands" statute in Three Mills Green, Bow, Newham. 

This is the site of an historic "accident" where 3 workers died, one after each other, trying to pull out another worker, who had collapsed at the bottom of a ventilation shaft from poisoned gas. 

Local MPs, Uma Kumaran and James Asser laid wreaths at the memorial together with Safety officers from Clarion and L&Q Housing Associations. Uma, James and London Assembly member, Unmesh Desai, together with others, also spoke about the importance of this day, not only in remembering those who were killed at work or died of industrial injuries but as a day to think about campaigning in the future to protect those currently at work. 

I introduced the event as UNISON Housing Associations branch chair and our branch Secretary, Joseph Ogundemuren gave closing remarks. Afterwards we gathered outside the site of the actual shaft nearby. 

Newham Labour Group Social

 

Yesterday evening there was an enjoyable social event organised by Newham Labour Group at a local Turkish restaurant, "Kohinoor Grill And Thrill" in Barking Road. 

As well as speeches by local MPs James Asser and Stephen Timms, there was guest speaker Rupa Huq MP, as well as contributions from The Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, GMB Dean Gilligan and myself (London UNISON Labour Link had helped sponsor).

I was lucky (yet again) with the traditional Labour Party raffle and won a bottle of single malt Scotch donated by Cllr Neil Wilson. There was a number of other prizes including GMB Bird Boxes! 

Many thanks to my colleagues Cllr Simon Rush and Cllr Shantu Ferdous for organising this event. 

West Ham Xmas Door knock & Street Surgery

This morning after my indoor Councillor surgery, we went on a door knock in West Ward with Councillors and activists including our new MP for West Ham & Beckton, James Asser. 

The door knock went very well and residents were visibly pleased to see their Councillors and new MP and to have a chat (and in one case a selfie) about local issues and personal casework. 

There was a lot of concern about a new healthy schools streets scheme but it was wholly constructive. Residents understood the need of such schemes to protect children but were concerned by the small numbers of inconsiderate parents, who park in and/or block resident bays, while dropping off or collecting their children. We will be approaching Council officers to extend the pilot area to stop this. 

Afterwards, we went to the Sawmill café for Xmas coffee and cake (no mince pies available)

On the knocker for Labour Blossom Young in Beckton with Sir Stephen Timms MP

 

Great picture from tonight's canvass in Beckton for the the Newham Council by-election next Thursday 18 July. Sir Stephen Timms came to support Blossom. Stephen use to be the local MP before recent boundary changes. He remains the MP for East Ham and we all congratulated him on his recent appointment as a Minister of State in the new Labour Government.

What was pretty amazing is the number of residents who came out to thank Stephen personally for his help and support with their personal issues as the local MP. It shows the cynics that elections and personal representation  matter. Blossom will be an excellent Councillor and will no doubt carry out the proud tradition of personal representation typified by Stephen and James (Asser the new MP). Not forgetting the other important local by election in Little Ilford next Thursday which I will be supporting and post upon over the weekend. 

Labour wins the 2024 General Election (and West Ham & Beckton)

 

This photo is from 5:19 am this morning after James Asser was declared Labour MP for West Ham & Bow. I had been his agent and want to thank the brilliant team supporting him at the Count and the fantastic activists who had been banging the drum for Labour during the last 6 weeks. 

Today has been a very special day in my life with the election of a Labour Government. Rest assured I will post further but currently resting while still smiling every time I see the news.