Plaistow North By Election Polling Day (& speaking at Pension conference)

I took yesterday off work for the by election but got tied up in morning with urgent UNISON "fire and rehire" case work. I was able at lunch time to go "knocking up" (knocking on doors of identified Labour Supporters , reminding them of the election and encouraging them to vote) with party colleagues Sofia and Larry. We had a good response but I felt that some residents were being somewhat evasive about their voting intentions. They had changed from previously saying they were Labour supporters to now saying they were "undecided". Not a good sign.

After we had finished that round I had to go back home, change into a suit and rush off to the Bloomsbury Hotel (ironically right next to Congress House) and speak in a Professional Pensions Conference panel debate on the merits of  trustees being "Professional Vs Lay: The Great Pension Scheme Debate". Anyone who knows me would be able to predict which side of the argument I was on and I will post on this another time.

Afterwards back home to Newham, change of clothes into comfy shoes, outdoor clothes, torch and drop key. I took the 58 bus to the committee room and was soon allocated a round with my Councillor colleague Larisa and a Hammersmith & Fulham Labour colleague (also a local Councillor and Chair of Planning) Omid.  It is always difficult to canvass in the dark but we worked very well together as a team. Larisa's russian language skills were particularly helpful. I did not realise how many residents from eastern europe also spoke russian as well as their native language. 

I only had 2 "difficult" conversations with residents about Gaza and the Labour Party response but they were respectful and considered. However, again, I was concerned at the number of residents who were now saying they were "undecided" or not voting.

I bumped into some of the the independent landlord party activists outside polling stations and had no problems but they were clearly breaking electoral law by gathering so close and in large numbers. It must have been intimidating for voters.

At the end of our round we joined up with another team and were still out "knocking up" after 9.30pm. Many thanks to activists from Tower Hamlets and Hackney for their support. 

After the close of campaigning some of us went to the nearby historic "Black Lion" pub for a drink and a gossip. While we were hopeful of a good result, we thought it was going to be tough night. 

Alas, our wonderful Labour Candidate, Akhtharul Alam, did not win on this occasion. It was not his fault in the slightest. The community did punish us over Gazi but there were other issues regarding parking, fly tipping and Anti-social behaviour which we need to address better. While this is clearly a defeat I am confident that Labour can restore trust and win back support in the future. 

Eve of Poll Canvass: Plaistow North By election

Picture of activists meeting up before evening canvass. By election takes place tomorrow. If you can help at all please register https://events.labour.org.uk/event/396117

Plaistow North is normally a secure Labour seat but there has been a tremendous effort by the Conservatives and the so called "Independent Landlords Party" (who have been bullying and threatening Labour members). 

The canvass went well and we were joined by the Labour Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz. I led our group via the Labour doorstep app. Some complicated low rise block numbering system caused a little bit of confusion but nothing serious.  Many thanks to our Tower Hamlets comrades who are now in the new Stratford and Bow Parliamentary seat for joining us. 

Afterwards, many of us met up for coffee and Pizza at Caloroso. Carb loading for tomorrow. Polls open 7am-10pm. 

On the knocker for Alam in Plaistow North & supporting Joel in Croydon East

 

This morning I joined Newham comrades in the rain (it was rather light and sporadic)  for a canvass in Plaistow North for the forthcoming Council by election this Thursday 23 November. The canvass was mostly very positive but I did have a two difficult conversations with residents out of 35 Labour doorstep  contacts. 

While I suspect there wider concerns, the only opposition that I saw today out campaigning was the Tories, who appear to be targeting the ward and throwing more resources at it I have seen since the Royal Docks by election in 2009. Today I accused their organiser Tim of stalking us!

Afterwards I went to help out with the campaign for UNISON Labour Link nominee Joel Bodmer, to become the Labour candidate to represent Croydon East. 

Plaistow North by election & supporting Joel Bodmer for Croydon East

Saturday afternoon I went to support our Labour Candidate, Akthural Alam. I ended up leading a small team using the "Labour Doorstep" smartphone app which is great (but sometimes erratic) for individual canvassing but not that good for a group. However, all the data is saved automatically and if it rains the paper canvass sheets tends to disintegrate. 

I had a few decent political conversations and it was mostly very positive. I bumped into the Tories again (led by my old sparring partner Tim Roll-Pickering for third Saturday in a row) but no sign again of any other parties.  

Afterwards I went to Croydon East with UNISON colleagues, to support Joel Bodmer, who was shortlisted in the nomination race to be the Labour Parliamentary candidate for this new seat.

Check out 

@JoelBodmer 

https://www.joelbodmer.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/JoelBodmer1

Cllr surgery then having proper conversations with residents in Plaistow North

 

This morning I had my West Ham ward Councillor surgery in Vicarage Lane Community centre then I went off to canvass for Labour in the by election due to take place on Thursday 23 November. I was in a group with our fantastic local candidate, Aktharul Alam. 

There was a few difficult conversations but the majority of discussions I had was with residents, who want to send a national message in this by election, that this dreadful Tory Government must go. 

I saw the largest Conservative canvass team in Newham in a decade, out there today and no sign again of any other party campaigning, so it appears this is going to be a fight between Labour and Tories. 

Promoted by Luke Place on behalf of J.Gray, Newham Labour Group, St Luke’s Community Centre, E16 1HS.

TUC Regional Council & then "on the knocker" in Plaistow North

 

Today was a Labour Movement day. In the morning I went as a UNISON delegate to the TUC London, East and South East Regional Council meeting at Congress House. It was good to be back in person at these meetings. 

There was an important panel discussion on the TUC #OurWorkerMatters campaign around organising and protecting outsourced workers. Our Regional Secretary Jo Galloway was on that panel and she told it as it is, about the dreadful way outsourced workers are treated and what UNISON is doing in our regions to fight this. 

I contributed to the debate as a outsourced worker under threat of losing his pension via fire and rehire dismissal and asked what the panel thought about the Labour Party "New deal for workers" commitments and in particular the prospect of sectorial bargaining over pay and conditions (this is potentially huge in my sector and many others) and what are we doing as unions to influence this. 

There was a mostly very constructive debate about the TUC General Council statement on Gaza and Israel and agreement to donate much needed funds to Medical Aid for Palestine. 

Afterwards I went to take part in the by election campaign in Plaistow North, Newham and met up with the Mayor, local Councillors, Party activists and our candidate, Akhtharul Alam. 

The "door knock" went pretty well and we had over 100 contacts and I also had some very good political and policy conversations (one via google translate) with residents about local issues, national and international issues. Most concern was about "bread and butter" issues such as fly tips, ASB and housing. 

Chad Green ASB Walkabout

Today I went on my first post lock down "walkabout" around Chad Green in Plaistow North Ward with local ward Councillor Daniel Lee-Phakoe, Council officers, local Police and Deputy Housing Cabinet member, Cllr Shaban Mohammed.

There has been a number of problems in this area including the senseless murder last year of a local teenager.

Due to action by local residents, Police and ward Councillors, crime and disorder is still a top issue but has been reduced but lack of effective CCTV, environmental crime (especially fly tipping) and noise nuisance are still key issues.

A report of agreed actions will be drawn up (and sent to all of us on the walkabout and anyone with an appropriate local interest).

It was good to be "out and about" after so long on lockdown (my colleague Cllr Mohammed has already undertaken 2 other visits).

All Council estates should now be regularly inspected - High rise tower blocks every 3 months and low rise ever 6 months. Local Councillors and residents should also be invited to join these walkabouts.

As a Council we all want to put "people at the heart of everything we do".

Contact your Housing Liaison Officer here if you want to join the next walkabout

Day 3 of Newham Mayoral Trigger fiasco - Plaistow North & South Massive Vote for Open Selection

There was a BBC news crew outside the selection meetings last night I understand. So 18 "NO" for an open selection and 1 "YES" in Plaistow North.  Then 19 "NO" to open selection and another 1 "YES"  in Plaistow South.

The massacre continues but why, why, why on earth are we wasting time and money on this vanity project? 

Today is Super Thursday - Forest Gate South, Forest Gate North & Stratford & Newtown.  

(It is rumoured that Forest Gate North members will vote "YES" since they do not appreciate being told how to vote by the Mayor).

Hat tip https://twitter.com/newhamselection

More info http://www.newhamforopenselection.org/

and https://www.facebook.com/NewhamTriggerBallot/

#Labourdoorstep in Plaistow North

After my Councillor surgery this morning I went over to Plaistow North ward to help out knocking on doors and speaking to local residents about the forthcoming Council elections in May.

It was cold but thankfully it stayed dry. Plaistow North is next door to West Ham and very similar. A mixture of  private Victorian terraces and purpose built social housing. I got into a little bit of trouble for sending out a New Year e-newsletter to CLP members this month (as Vice Chair Campaigns and Communications) titled "Want to get fit and lose weight? Go canvassing". Some members thought it was inappropriate.

After going up and down the communal stairs in the Tibbenham Walk blocks I felt vindicated. Why spend £40 per month joining a gym when you could instead go campaigning with Labour. My Google fit app recorded nearly 7,000 steps.

The canvass itself went really well. Labour support was pretty rock solid but I was surprised how many residents had picked up on the Newham Mayoral selection and expressed let me say, very strong views on it.

PS does anyone know what the purpose of the steps and rails in the Tibbenham Walk gardens? (bottom right of picture collage)

Why its never that boring being "on the knocker" for Labour.

Picture from last weekend's Plaistow North ward "Super Sunday" Labour door knock with our West Ham MP Lyn Brown, which which went really well. UNISON members James Beckles (2nd from left) and Forhad Hussain (2nd from right) are both candidates. The 3rd Labour Candidate, Joy Laguda is also a UNISON member.  Joy had to attend a funeral and was unable to attend. All 3 candidates work or have worked for the NHS. 

Tonight I am just back from being out in West Ham Ward. It was a warm and sunny evening.  It too went really well but just a little too perfect. There was a fantastic "Labour promise" response rate. Household after household said they would vote for us. We had mums bringing out their cute young children out to meet the candidates.

I had a detailed and interesting explanation of democratic Polish politics since the Solidarity strikes and the fall of the Communist State.

Excited first time voters who were delighted we had come to see them and who couldn't wait for 22 May and the opportunity to vote Labour. 

A woman very angry with this Tory led government who she blames for being made redundant and being now only able to find insecure part time work.

An unsubstantiated (but very specific) allegation of political and contractor corruption across the other side of the River Lea.

I also had one man in his 30's who admitted that he has never voted, agree that it was about time he participated and promised to do so this time (for Labour).

I knew it was too good to last. Towards the end of the session the law of averages re-established itself.

I came across a very unpleasant racist who scorned Labour because of all "these dirty foreigners". There was a short and sharp exchange with resulted with the front door being slammed shut very loudly in my face and me marking the address on our list as "Against".

Apart from that - it was a good evening.

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".

Plaistow North Labour Movement Family Team

All three elected Labour Party Councillors at Plaistow North ward in Newham, London are UNISON members.

Seen here at the Count shortly after their declaration are (left to right)

Alan Griffiths (Housing officer); Forhad Hussain (NHS hospital project officer) and Joy Laguda (NHS Nurse).

They were convincing winners in their ward by over 2000 votes.

Check out this YouTube link here to hear the declaration.

Well done comrades!

Plaistow North Ward canvass

Yesterday afternoon after the street stall in Stratford many of us went off to support the Plaistow North ward Labour Action team who were “on the knocker” with our local MP Lyn Brown.

This action team is pretty much led by UNISON activists from local Council and Health branches.

At the risk of it all sounding just "too good to be true" what I did enjoy about this afternoon was the banter and "esprit de corps" of the group.  Lots of good-natured teasing and leg pulling.  Morale is looking good for the big fight ahead. 

There was also a pretty solid set of canvass returns for Labour. The weather held off until just after we finished the canvass when the heavens opened up and rain would have stopped play. Soggy voter ID sheets are no use to anyone.

Elsewhere in West Ham and Newham we also had canvass teams out in the morning and afternoon.

Labour Party Social brings Political Cheer

Last night I attended my first 2009 Christmas Social. The Labour Party is traditionally very hospitable at this time of year and keen to celebrate the season while amongst comrades while at the same time raising funds for the good fight ahead.

The event was in the Vicarage Lane Community centre, Stratford and members from West Ham, Stratford & Newtown and Plaistow North ward met up to share company, conversation, food, wine and raffles. Our MP Lyn Brown was there (third from right photo). I won a bottle of Port which was great timing for Christmas. We raised £144 for the West Ham CLP campaign fund.

The mood was politically pretty good as well. People feel that at long last things are moving nationally our way - slowly but surely. One or two swallows don’t make a summer but the opinion polls are turning. The Tories are also being seen to panic as they realise that their expected shoo in ain’t going to happen. Cameron got well hammered by Gordon Brown at PM Question Time this week.

This will happen we think since the Emperor does not have any clothes; the Tories have been barking up the wrong economic tree and the Great, British public are finally beginning to “get it”. A Road-Runner moment as people begin to consider what a Tory government would really mean. As Lyn said “Game On” for the general election.

Canvassing Plaistow North -Sunday 10th May

(Guest post from Newham Councillor Jonathon Knott on canvass last Sunday – I was skiving - so no photos).

On a sunny morning members of Plaistow North ward and West Ham CLP joined together to canvass Plaistow North Ward.

There were 5 Johns!! Our local London Assembly member, John Biggs; John Whitworth, John Saunders, John Cullen and myself.

Other party members present were Lyn Brown MP, Aijaz Sheikh, Ray Smith, Tchavdar Dimitrov, Ellie Robinson, Cllr Conor McAuley, Alan Griffiths, Ann Hitchcock, Cllr Zulfiqar Ali, Cllr Joy Laguda, Shahidur Rahman and David Christie.

Met at 11am at Plaistow Station – glorious weather- some issues at first re: leaflets and voter ID sheets (unhelpfully my printer had screwed up, but we got through that)

We spoke to many residents – no discussion about MP’s expenses – there was a nice feeling from people feeling happier in their area, safer. It was good to hear from a number of former supporters of Respect that they had come back “Home to Labour”.

Afterwards we retired to the Black Lion Pub’s garden for a debriefing with fresh crustacea from the seafood stall adjacent. All in all a productive morning.