East Ham Newham Voices - By Elections Hustings

 

Yesterday morning I went to the hustings in East Ham Library organised by Newham Voices. Picture is of Labour Candidate for Boleyn Ward, Sofia Patel (Stephanie Garfield, Wall End Labour candidate was unable to attend) telling it as it is on - fly tipping, sex education, hate speech, housing, policing and diversity. 

I admit that I am biased but I genuinely thought that Sofia was head and shoulders above everyone else on the panel. Dispite a rather vile sexist and anti working class question directed at her by those who claim to be pro equality (aka posh middle class white Green male's) that since she worked for the Labour Party she must be a Personal Assistant. However, she kept her cool and answered this and some other unpleasant attack questions with dignity, passion and great skill. 

Many thanks to Newham Voices for organising this event and to all the candidates and all residents who attended (even the sexist bigots, who hopefully learnt some things - probably not).

I hope that there is a good turnout this Thursday 13 July, at the two by elections and we must let the People of Wall End and Boleyn wards decide (but don't forget to bring your photo ID!)

On the knocker for Sofia Patel in Boleyn

 

This morning after my Councillor surgery in West Ham, I cycled over to the Champions Statute in Boleyn ward. There I joined the canvass team supporting our excellent candidate, Sofia Patel, who was born and brought up in Newham and lives in the ward. 

It was a really positive canvass and Sofia was brilliant at listening to residents and showing how she is keen to help and support them. I had some really interesting conversations with residents including one who are Labour doorstep app identified as being "Against" Labour the last time we had spoken to him a few years ago. 

He told me that he was a lifelong Conservative voter who was now undecided for the first time ever. We had a "grown up" conversation about politics and the current state of the country. He was clearly embarrassed and frustrated at the antics of recent Tory leaders. I think we both agreed that the present government had been in power for 13 long years and it is time for a change. He still hadn't made up his mind but I think (and hope) he will take the plunge and at least "lend us" his vote. 

Apart from that, my canvass returns were very solid. The online Labour doorstep app is a fantastic canvassing tool and you know who is on the electoral role and you can enter information instantly. No more soggy, unclear canvass sheets which are never inputted. 

I will be going back to Boleyn but I will be also supporting Stephanie, who is standing for Labour in our other by election in Wall End ward. 

Newham Labour: Boleyn and Wall End by-Election candidates chosen

Hat tip Newham Labour  "Local campaigners Sofia Patel and Stephanie Garfield have been selected by Labour to stand as the party’s candidates for the Boleyn and Wall End by-elections.

Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said: “Sofia and Stephanie are great community champions who will both hit the ground running to improve the lives of residents in Boleyn and Wall End wards. From tackling the scourge of fly-tipping in their neighbourhoods, to championing renters rights they will be passionate advocates for local people across all those things that matter to residents most.

I am looking forward to them joining the Labour team at the council as we drive forward with our purpose of building a fairer Newham for everyone.”

Boleyn candidate Sofia Patel was born, raised and educated in Newham. She has previously managed a local cinema, held roles in health and social care and now works for the Labour Party. Sofia is a strong advocate for youth services, social justice and the needs of older people. 

Sofia said: “I’m Newham through and through – I was born and raised here, and I’m proud to call Boleyn ward home. “Having worked in social care, and been a carer myself, I am passionate about providing people with the support they require to live rich and fulfilling lives. 

That’s why the action being taken by Newham’s Labour-run Council to increase expenditure on social care and deliver fair pay for our carers is so important. If elected, I will speak up for carers, continue to tackle the fly-tippers whose actions blight our neighbourhood, and work hard to help deliver on Newham Labour’s vision for a cleaner, greener, safer borough.”

Wall End candidate Stephanie Garfield works for the NHS, runs a small independent arts business and has been a British Sign Language interpreter. She is a dedicated public servant, local activist and entrepreneur, with a strong commitment to inclusive and compassionate local services.”

Stephanie said: “Alongside my brilliant NHS colleagues, I worked tirelessly to serve our communities and support deaf students throughout the pandemic – so I know all too well the value of properly-funded, well-run public services that are accessible to everybody.

“But while Newham’s Labour-run Council are delivering crucial investment and supporting local people through the cost-of-living crisis, Tory government cuts and economic mismanagement continue to harm our community. Only Labour can build a fairer Newham and I pledge to champion Wall End and work hard for a cleaner, safer and fairer neighbourhood.”