Overwhelming majority of West Ham Constituency Labour Party delegates vote to get rid of Newham Mayoral model

 

At the General Committee meeting tonight of West Ham Labour Party delegates, they voted overwhelmingly (74% in favour, 14% against; 12% abstain) to support motions to get rid of the existing Executive Mayoral model in Newham and replace it with a more democratic Committee model. 

Only one delegate spoke against the motion (even though she said she was in favour but did not like the call for branches to encourage their members to campaign in favour). 

Check out:-  

wording of motions : https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2021/02/branches-vote-unanimously-to-get-rid-of.html

https://newhamforchange.org/

https://www.facebook.com/newhamvotingforchange/

https://twitter.com/ForNewham

Workers Memorial Day - Tuesday 28 April 2020 Theme: Coronavirus

For a number of years my trade union branch (UNISON Greater London Housing Associations) and West Ham Labour Party have supported Workers Memorial Day with a ceremony at the "Clasping Hands" statute in Stratford.

Workers Memorial Day is an international event held every 28 April to remember workers who have been killed at work or have died from work related diseases.

This year we cannot hold such a physical memorial event due to Coronavirus social isolation requirements, but I think everyone understands that 2020 Workers Memorial Day, will be especially important, as we remember all the health and care workers who have died from Coronavirus as well all the other workers such as the bus drivers, cleaners and shop workers.

Check out the call by the TUC for a minutes silence at 11am on Tuesday 28 April.

I have to make the point that no one mentions at the current daily Government briefings on Coronavirus that we are now trying to play catch up after 10 years of austerity for the NHS and social care never mind the official ridicule and scorn shown in this past decade towards workers "elf & safety".

Why I am voting for Keir Starmer: Radical & Relevant

Yesterday Keir Starmer narrowly lost out being nominated by West Ham Labour Party by 5 votes.  There were 110 members present compared to nearly 2000 members in West Ham.

East Ham, Ilford South and even Jeremy Corbyn's seat in Islington North have recently voted to support Keir.

This is roughly (from memory) what I said but also what I meant to say at that nomination meeting.

"I am supporting Keir Starmer to be the future leader of our Party since he is the one best placed to unite the Party to win a future election. He is radical and relevant.

We need to unite the Party with someone who can appeal to the left and right in our progressive Party since the electorate will not elect us if we are divided. The elephant in the room today is that we are divided and there are too many groups and factions that hate each other more than they hate the Tories. 

We desperately need a Labour Government in power. Especially in Newham. In Newham after 4 election defeats we have 27,000 families on our waiting list, we have 5300 families in temporary accommodation, we have 50% more children living in temporary accommodation in our borough than in the entire North of England. In Newham after taking into account housing costs, 50% of our families are defined as living in poverty.

Surely everyone here understands that the Tories will not solve this. We need a Labour Government in power ASAP.

To be clear our "yes but no but" Brexit policy was an important factor in our disastrous campaign but this is a collective policy that was owned by the entire Shadow cabinet. It is also a fact that we lost nearly twice as many Labour Remain supporters (1.9 million) compared to Brexit supporters in 2019. With hindsight a clear pro remain and second referendum policy might have worked.

I will also admit to coming from a similar working class background as Keir. I am the same age and like Keir, my mother was a nurse and my father a skilled tradesman working on the assembly line in a factory.

Also, despite living in Newham for over 30 years you may tell from my accent that I was born and brought up in what was the Labour heartland of industrial North East Wales.  An area that used to dominated by coal mines, steelworks, textile mills and potteries. The Party was decimated in 2019 and my old constituency (now called Alyn & Deeside) is the only Labour seat left and only by a few hundred votes.

Brexit may have motivated leave and remain voters to desert Labour but it was decades of rotten jobs, poor housing and rotten wages that was the real cause. We need a radical economic leader who can unite the Party and win back those so-called "borrowed" votes.

In my view Keir is the best placed leader to do this to be radical and relevant and win a future general election. 

Clear out West Ham CLP HQ aka "the Pie Shop"

Our local Labour headquarters since the 1970s has been sold to a developer who is going to build a high rise block on the site.

It used to be a newsagents and a "fish n chips" shop in the past.

The national Labour Party has a large capital sum and we locally have been promised contractually a space in the new building that will be twice the floor area at a peppercorn rent.

This was probably the 3rd clear out that we have had but we are nearly there. A van full of rubbish was taken to the Newham tip but a number of historical items are being rescued and stored until we get our new home.

The "Vote Labour" roof car sign has not been used according to CLP Premises officer, John Saunders, since Arthur Lewis times. However, I put the plug into my car and it worked. 

Max Levitas - Battle of Cable Street Anti Fascist Veteran RIP

Life long anti-fascist and former "Red Stepney" Councillor for 15 years, Max Levitas, has passed away aged 103. I first met Max many years ago when he was probably in his late 80s and he addressed a meeting of Tower Hamlets residents opposed to the stock transfer of its Council estates to housing associations.

To my surprise, after savaging the Council, he then turned his fire on certain left wing anti stock transfer protestors, who he also attacked in no uncertain terms. I asked a trade union colleague, who was a member of the trotskyist SWP sitting next to me, what was going on? He replied "We are still the Wreckers and Splitters".  Max was of course also a lifelong supporter of the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB). Fabulous photo of Max above by Charlotte Barnes.

Max was the son of Jewish refugees who fled Eastern Europe to escape Russian persecution. He and his brothers Sol and Maurice fought alongside thousands of local residents and stopped the fascists marching through East London at the Battle of Cable Street in 1936.  See the Battle of Cable Street Memorial above.

Check out this marvellous interview of Max on Channel 4 News.

Max used to take number 25 bus from Stepney to do his shopping twice a month in the Stratford Centre, Newham and occasionally he would join our regular Saturday, West Ham Labour Party street stall and have a chat with us, warn us about Trotskyists, exhibit the "Morning Star" and happily pose for photos. He told us that he would always vote Labour unless a "real communist" was standing.

Definitely end of an era and an important link in our history but the modern day battle against fascism in all its forms continues. RIP Max

WestHam CLP fundraising 4 conference 2018

I love going to Labour Party conferences and think that our West Ham Constituency Labour Party should send as many delegates as possible, so I fully support this fundraising attempt to pay for and send more delegates.

(I love this picture as well. Apart from Seyi being chopped in half)

Click here if you can help https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/westham-clp-fundraising-4-conference

Custom House Ward is 2nd branch to hold Newham Mayoral Trigger - 7.30 Tuesday 30 January at Ascension Church E13

Custom House ward will hold the 2nd West Ham ward Labour Party trigger (out of 10) on the Newham Labour Mayor on 7.30pm Tuesday 30 January in Ascension Church, Baxter Rd, London, E16 3HJ. 

I will repeat below my comments about the West Ham CLP ward trigger meeting

"If you are an eligible ward member (there is a "freeze" date, so if you were not a party member by 26 April 2016 and also living in the borough since 25 October 2016 you cannot vote) then you should have received an email or letter informing you of date, time, location and identity requirements.

I would suggest that you arrive at least 30 minutes early for registration and that the Party asks you to bring some form of ID with you such as your Labour Party membership card.

West Ham Labour Party Executive Committee is running its 10 ward trigger ballot meetings over the next 3 weeks (details to be published on this blog and others). Each ward will be given at least 7 days notice.

East Ham Labour Party ward trigger ballot meetings will all be run on the same day by London Regional Labour Party at the East Ham Town Hall E6 on Saturday 10 February. All eligible members should have got an email or letter from London Region.

You will not be able to attend and participate in these meetings if you are not eligible to vote or in arrears with your Party subscriptions (so get up to date!).

(To be clear, even though I am an Executive officer of West Ham CLP, I will not be taking part in the above process since I am openly calling for a NO vote and wish an open mayoral selection process).

After 24 years of one person being in charge it is about time that there was a democratic choice for Party members before making it 28 years. Please spread the word. 

West Ham General Election Wash Up

This picture is from Wednesday evening, when we had a West Ham Labour General Election "Wash Up". CLP Officers, Branch organisers and secretaries were invited to our headquarters in Stratford to talk about and debate, what went right with our election campaign, what could had been done better and preparing for the next General Election (which who really knows but could happen anytime soon).

It was a constructive and honest debate and as the Parliamentary agent for the election who chaired the meeting, I am pleased that everyone present contributed. A report on our findings will be sent out to the CLP. A working group on social media was agreed and will meet soon.

On the whole, most things went well in the election and of course, we won in West Ham with a massive increased majority for our MP, Lyn Brown with 77% of the vote. However, we need to get out more of  our 2,000 West Ham Labour members being active and out campaigning and door knocking in marginals.

This is a really exciting time to be involved in politics and I cannot wait for the next General Election and for the West Ham campaigning machine to play its part in electing a Labour government.

(selfie of us with our top CLP Women's Officer, Cllr Seyi Akiwowo)

Grenfell Tower & Fire Safety in High Rise Blocks motion to West Ham GC

Emergency Motion West Ham Labour Party General Committee 20 July
Grenfell Tower & Fire Safety in High Rise Blocks
This branch/GC notes:

1. The appalling loss of life at Grenfell Tower, together with the troubling prospect that the death toll will rise and the final number of those that perished may never be known;

2. The outstanding bravery demonstrated by the London Fire Brigade, supported by the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service, in their efforts to save lives;

3. The tremendous generosity of local residents and community groups as well as people from across London and beyond in helping those affected by this national tragedy;

4. The systemic shortcomings of fire safety standards at Grenfell Tower, despite concerns being raised by residents who were sufficiently heard; alongside a fire safety and building regulation regime requiring major reform now that some 120 tower blocks across 37 local authority areas in England so far have failed fire safety tests and are confirmed to have combustible cladding;

5. The welcome announcement of an independent judicial public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire which has to serve the interests of the bereaved families, survivors and residents of tower blocks around the country who have serious questions about how and why this disaster happened and who is responsible;

6. The proactive and welcomed actions underway by officers and the Mayoral Advisor for Housing to ensure Newham residents living in council owned tower blocks and properties are safe.

7. That Grenfell raises many urgent questions for all local authorities about the adequacy of fire regulations, the efficacy of building inspection and enforcement regime and boroughs capacity to respond to emergencies. We should and can expect reform all of these.

This Branch resolves therefore resolves:

1. To call on Newham Council to commit the required resources to implement all necessary and required reforms in fire regulations, building inspection, control and enforcement so that Newham Council remains robust in its fire safety regime for all council owned properties;

2. To ensure that those properties held by Red Door Ventures and Local Space, in which Newham Council has a stake, similarly implement all required reforms to enhance their fire safety standards across the portfolio of properties they hold;

3. To ensure that all Housing Association providers, schools and education providers in Newham demonstrate that they are undertaking all required checks and enhancements to the fire safety regime in their properties;

4. To commit full political and officer support for a comprehensive Scrutiny review on issues arising from the Grenfell Tower fire (including planning policy, building regulations, housing management procedures related to fires safety of high rise blocks in the borough and; the level and type of engagement with residents on the issue of fire safety) and implications for Newham, as well as the independent public inquiry that has been announced once it reports;

5. To review existing processes of engagement with Council tenants/Leaseholders, especially on fire safety, and report back to all councillors/tenants/leaseholders on how they will be enhanced.

6. To re-establish the Newham Residents Housing Scrutiny Committee comprised of Councillors, Tenants and Leaseholders with reforms so that representatives from Housing association and private landlords/freeholders are also invited to attend.

7. To ensure that a full briefing for all Newham councillors is provided as soon as the current inspection work on Newham’s Tower blocks has been completed;

8. To ensure that regular reviews (at least once every year) takes place in consultation with all councillors and relevant residents.

Proposer: Anam Islam
Seconder: John Gray

(passed by Forest Gate North branch and sent to West Ham General Committee)

UPDATE: Disappointingly this motion fell foul of Labour Party rules on giving notice of motions to be discussed since the GC was brought forward by a week. It will be debated at the September meeting.

Labour at Forest Gate Festival 2017

Picture collage from Saturdays Forest Gate Festival. This was a really fantastic event and for the first time we had a Labour Party stall at the festival talking to people and encouraging them to join the Party.

It was amazing how many people said they were already members and the very positive reaction we had from other residents, who were not so far members but are so angry with this government and want to get rid of it.

#NoMandate - Back on the Campaign Trail

After a short break, members of Forest Gate North & West Ham Labour, led by our newly re-elected MP (with 77% of the vote) Lyn Brown, were back on the campaign trail today. As well as the NHS demo in Central London, today was a Labour Party National Campaign Day, on Theresa May, having "No Mandate for Cuts". 

I love this picture above as well. We obviously tried to stage it as a political statement but forgot the adage "Never work with animals or children" :)

This was in the week that the Tories voted and cheered in Parliament on cutting yet again public sector pay,  while at the same time crying crocodile tears about the bravery of our Police, Fire & Ambulance service.

The Labour Party seems to be getting its act together with sending to local parties excellent anti cuts leaflets (with Labour Party membership forms on rear) and placards (even if they arrived let us say "just in time").

There was a superb response today in Forest Gate for Labour, including signing a petition about the Grenfell fire and making sure that the Council does everything possible to make things safe for residents.  There was also unusually in West Ham, a couple of angry Tories, up for a row, but we saw them off.

Before the stall, Lyn went to nearby Market Square to support the very first Forest GAYTE Pride.

Hat tip main picture Mehmood. 

West Ham Labour "Thank You" Party 2017 General Election

Love this picture from last nights "thank you" Party in Eat16, St Lukes, Canning town hosted by our newly elected member of Parliament for West Ham, Lyn Brown (fantastic Chili from Lyn). Many thanks to Sarah Ruiz from East16 for the Veggie Chilli.

Great cake provided by top General election campaigner Muhammed Ravat

General Election - next week!

Dear John It's a week to go. The polls are narrowing. The next five years are about to be decided. If you have any time over the next week, please come out now to help Labour. The weather's nice and it might even be fun... Please help to fund Lyn Brown's election campaign We will spend thousand of pounds on Leaflets, Letters, Posters and Street Stalls in West Ham over the next few weeks. Please help if you can. A. Click here [DONATION]  or B. Send a cheque made payable to West Ham Labour Party, to John Gray, Election Agent, West Ham CLP, 306 High Street, E15 1AJ All donations go to West Ham Labour Party and will be used for Lyn's campaign in West Ham. ILFORD NORTH 11am, 2pm and 6pm every day. Meeting 12a High View Parade, Woodford Av, IG4 5EP (a 12 min walk from Gants Hill stn on the Central Line - exit 1). Turn up and say you're from West Ham (and they'll look after you if you haven't campaigned before). Polling Day in Ilford North - they're going to be busy all day. 5.30am leafletting - click here to sign up  Door knocking all day - click here to sign up This Saturday Newham Co-op and West Ham CLP will be out in Harrow West supporting Gareth Thomas, Chair of the Co-op Party - meet John Gray (ring 07432 150 530) at 1.15pm or meet in Harrow at 2.15pm, 132 Blenheim Rd, HA2 7AA (3 mins walk from Harrow West tube). WEST HAM Tonight Weds 31 May Canning Town South, 6.30pm, Contact Alan West Ham, 6.30pm,  Contact David or John Whitworth Thurs 1 JuneWest Ham will be helping Karen Buck in Westminster North at 2pm and 6pm. If you're free and can help - please meet at Labour office 4g Shirland Mews, W9 3DY (10 mins from Westbourne Pk tube which is only 35 mins from Stratford or West Ham tubes). Stratford, 5pm-7pm, Contact: Karl Women's Forum (women only) Canning Town South, Contact Gen or Seyi Sat 3 June Street stall - outside Forest Gate Station, 11am to 12.30pm and Forest Gate North, 11am, contact John 07432 150 530 Plaistow South, 11am, . Contact Neil Women's Forum Street Stall, 11am, E20 Street Stall, please wear red! V Contact Gen or Seyi Custom House, 11.30am, Contact Rokhsana or Momodou Canning Town North, 12pm, Contact Shabs Forest Gate South, 4pm, Contact Joel Sun 4 June Plaistow South, 2pm, Contact Neil Wilson Mon 5 June Stratford, 6pm-8pm leafleting with a canvass session leaving 7pm. Contact: Karl Plaistow South, 6pm, Contact Neil West Ham, 6:30pm, Contact David or John W on 07763 651131 Tues 6 June Women's Forum (women only), 6pm, Contact Gen or Seyi  Plaistow North, 6pm, contact Daniel or Mehmood Polling Day!  Please do go and help one of the nearby marginals (see details at top for Ilford North). If you want to stay in West Ham we'll put you in touch with your ward organiser as we will be leafleting stations. Thanks again to everyone who's been out and if you haven't yet please come out and help this last week... Best wishes Julianne Julianne Marriott Vice Chair (Campaigns and Comms) West Ham CLP e westhamlabour@gmail.com  t @westhamlabour  f westhamlabour  w westhamlabour.org

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" Worker Memorial Day 2017

Today is Workers Memorial Day, and across the world trade unionists remember the 20,000 British and the 2.3 million deaths of workers worldwide who die prematurely every year in work related accidents or from occupational disease.

In Three Mills Green, Stratford, East London there is a memorial to 4 workers who lost their lives while at work. On this site there used to be an underground well next to a Gin distillery. On July 12 1901 a worker was sent down the shaft to carry out work but was overcome by toxic fumes. Three of his fellow workers went down the shaft, in turn, to try and rescue him and were all in turn poisoned and died while trying to pull their comrades to safety.

The "Clasping hands" statue was later erected to honour this sacrifice.

West Ham Labour Party, UNISON Housing Association branch and Newham Teachers Association (NUT) have for the past several years laid a wreath on Workers Memorial Day at this site to remember all those who have died at work or from work related ill health.

Next year, 2018 Workers Memorial Day, is on a Saturday (it's always on 28 April) so we hope to hold a bigger event, inviting local schools, Woodcraft folk, all parts of the Labour Movement and progressive employers to attend and participate.

This part of East London is steeped in working class history. Behind this picture you can see the London Match Girls Strike Building and also the 2014 London Olympics Stadium.

My UNISON Branch Chair, Tony Power, addressed the gathering and pointed out that due to good health and safety agreements and practices with trade unions, no workers was killed building the London Olympic Stadium. While in a country such as Qater, which does not recognise trade unions, it is thought that 7000 workers will die by the time the World Football Cup kicks off in 2022.

On the knocker in Plaistow South 25 March

On Saturday 25 March I helped out again, the Plaistow South Labour Party branch on a campaign day with local Councillors and activists. The weather was kind to us this time being unseasonably warm and sunny.

There are no elections planned in London for 2017 (apart from local by elections) The top issues on this door knock was "Parking" and "Rubbish". A new Parking zone was welcomed by many residents and criticised by some. You cannot please all the people all the time when it comes to parking.

Newham Council charges for the collection of bulk rubbish items was discussed and whether it increased fly tipping or not. I think there was however agreement that there had been fly tripping even when Newham did not charge for removal.

Interesting discussion about trade union organising with a ward member who is a GMB activist in their private hire professional driver branch. The growing "uber economy" many be generating huge profits for some entrepreneurs but is bad news for many workers.  Check out this amazing video of Uber founder https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/28/uber-ceo-travis-kalanick-driver-argument-video-fare-prices

(Finally note to myself as a branch organiser. One thing that all the canvassers agreed upon is that having double sided canvass sheets is more trouble than it is worth. Political canvassers of all persuasions will know what I mean. The Greens may not agree).

West Ham Women’s Forum Councillor Training and AGM

Hat tip West Ham Labour blog on Women's International Day.

"On Monday, West Ham women gathered to boost the sisterhood for the 2018 local government elections.

It was so wonderful to see a group of women from all walks of life dedicated to making West Ham better.

Despite Monday being match day, the West Ham Labour HQ was full of bright, bubbly and brave women who brought snacks and heaters for the evening.

The training and AGM was hosted by the amazing Councillor Seyi Imoleayo Akiwowo, who chaired the discussions and helped us understand what being a Local Councillor really meant. 

We were asked what we wanted to improve in Newham and why we should stand. Councillors from all over Newham (including Cllr Charlene Mclean, Cllr Rachel Tripp, Cllr Rokhsana Fiaz, Cllr Veronica Oakeshott, Cllr Aleen Alarice, Cllr Anne Easter and Cllr Julianne Marriott) all gave inspiring talks about their day to day work and getting through the selection process.

The network was really welcoming and supportive. The group was full of positive strong women who are focused on making a difference. If we learnt one thing it is that people are really passionate about parking, especially on Match day!

After the training Seyi chaired the AGM. As Seyi is stepping down from being Chair of West Ham Women’s Forum, the new team would like to thank her for all of her hard work. We look forward to picking up where she left off, and we hope to do a great job in the next year.

The new team is:

Vice Chair – Nareser Osei
Secretary – Genevieve Kitchen
Treasurer – Khadiza Naseem
Campaigns Fundraiser and Branch Organiser – Cllr Veronica Oakeshott
GC Delegates – Rachel Tripp and Jane Lofthouse
EC Delegate – Cllr Rachel Tripp

West Ham Labour January 2017

Dear John Happy 2017! Below are some of West Ham's January activities. If you've been meaning to get more involved in the Labour party we'd love to see you at something. All members are very welcome. This Saturday (14th) - visit to William Morris gallery in Walthamstow.  Stratford ward is organising the trip but warmly welcomes all members. Meet 11amat Stratford International station with either your bike or your travel card. There will be a group cycling and another group taking the (97) bus to the gallery to visit Posters of Protest and Revolution! Thursday 19 Jan - Silvertown Tunnel and its implications for the environment Canning Town South ward would like to invite all members. 7pm, EAT16 cafe, St Luke's Community Centre, 89 Tarling Road, E16 1HN. Speaker - Cllr Ken Clark, Cabinet member for Regeneration. Saturday 21 Jan - Labour's Campaign Action Day Meet 11am at Barking Road Community Centre, 627-633 Barking Road, E13 9EZ. We'll be out knocking on doors and talking to residents. There may be a General Election in 2017! We need to be out talking to voters. Please come and join us. Saturday 28 Jan - Campaigning in West Ham ward Meeting 11am at Sawmill cafe. West Ham Lane, E15 4PH for coffee ready for an 11.30 start Look forward to seeing you soon. Get in touch if you'd like any more information. Best wishes Julianne Julianne Marriott Vice Chair (Campaigns and Comms) West Ham CLP e westhamlabour@gmail.com t @westhamlabour f westhamlabour w westhamlabour.org

#CarefortheNHS - West Ham Labour campaign day for the NHS

Picture collage from yesterday. Members of West Ham Labour Party with our MP, Lyn Brown, in Stratford handing out leaflets and talking to the public about the funding crisis facing the NHS.

See photo of Newham Labour Mayoral Candidate (and stanch campaigner for the NHS) Cllr John Whitworth.

Some of the key facts about the crisis.

• Worst NHS deficits on record at £2.45 billion

• Around 3.9 million people are now on the English waiting list to start treatment

• 1.8 million people waited four or more hours in A&E last year - up over 400 per cent since 2010

• One in four patients have to wait a week or more to see or speak to a GP or nurse, or do not get an appointment at all

Hat tip some pictures to @WestHamLabour

Emergency Motion to tomorrow's Labour London Regional Conference*

The motion below was passed by overwhelmingly on Wednesday by the Executive Committee of West Ham Labour Party. The London Labour Regional conference takes place at Congress House tomorrow.

"This Regional Conference notes:

1. The Labour Party Rule Book states that all Local Campaign Forums (LCF) must hold annual AGMs after May each year at which an executive has to be elected. Where a LCF fails to elect an executive, the Rule Book implies that the entire LCF makes executive decisions.

2. That the Newham LCF did not hold its 2015 AGM until March 2016, and failed to elect an Executive at that delayed AGM.

3. Since the last meeting of the Newham LCF on the 31 May 2016, new delegates to the LCF have been elected by West Ham and East Ham CLPs.

4. That a trigger ballot timetable on re-selecting the current directly elected Mayor of Newham to be the Labour Party candidate at the May 2018 local elections was approved at meeting with the London Region Director on the 25th October 2016 and some members of the Newham LCF.

5.That the whole of the current Newham LCF members weren't notified about this meeting taking place.

6.That London Regional Board members were not notified by the London Region Director of the planned meeting with the Newham LCF or the proposed trigger ballot process.

7. At the meeting on the 25th October 2016, a procedural secretary was also appointed who is a is paid mayoral advisor to the current Labour Mayor of Newham seeking re-selection. This potentially creates an unacceptable conflict of interest.

8. Based on the Trigger Ballot timetable agreed by the London Region Director and some members of the Newham LCF, only members of the Labour Parties in Newham who joined on or prior to the 25th April 2016 will be eligible to participate in Trigger Ballot meetings held by eligible branches and affiliates. This freeze date will mean that hundreds of new members in Newham will be disenfranchised.

9. Branches and affiliates in Newham will have to meet and vote on a 'affirmative nomination' to re-select the current directly elected Mayor Sir Robin Wales between the 14th November 2016 - 4th December 2016 and there is emerging evidence of procedural abuse happening where NEC guidelines are being ignored. For instance, officers in one branch in West Ham CLP had the date of the branch's Trigger Ballot meeting determined by the Procedural Secretary without their knowledge.

This Regional Conference resolves:

1. That the current Trigger Ballot timetable in Newham be suspended and withdrawn;

2. The London Region Board oversee an investigation of alleged procedural abuses in conjunction with the NEC Organisation Committee;

3. That the Newham LCF calls an emergency meeting where all new LCF delegates elected at the respective East Ham and West Ham CLP AGMs to elect its new Executive. Where possible this should be constituted as the Newham LCF's 2016 AGM which hasn’t taken place;

4. That resolves 3 should be followed by a new Trigger Ballot timetable, set and circulated before 31 December 2016.

*Emine Ibrahim, CLPs representative on the Regional Board and member of the Conference Arrangements Committee, has confirmed there is no deadline for emergency resolutions.

Paid Mayoral advisors should not be also Officers of local Party: West Ham CLP AGM (Part 2)

This is a great "slow action" picture from last nights packed West Ham Labour AGM (part 2). Our MP Lyn Brown is giving her Parliamentary report and answering questions.

We ran out of time at our first AGM to conclude all business so had to resume yesterday and then also hold a normal General Committee meeting. It was a slow and frustrating process but surprisingly good natured (ish).

Delegates that I supported were elected into the Local Campaign Forum and other positions (I was also re-elected) by clear majorities.

I was also pleased that following a robust debate the motion below on paid Mayoral advisors from Forest Gate North and Stratford Branch was passed with a big majority.

We had some very disturbing news last week on certain proposals which I will blog upon over the weekend but yesterday, West Ham Labour Party, made a clear commitment to honest, decent and principled politics.

Can people please just read the motion and understand that this is intended to protect paid advisors as well as the local Party. If you are one of the 24 Newham Councillors who receive anything between £6-34,000 (plus pensions) to be personal advisors to the Mayor, then this motion will actually protect you against some widely perceived conflicts of interest.

Motion: Restrictions on Cabinet Members, Mayoral or Executive Advisors serving as CLP Officers

This AGM notes:-

1. That there is a potential conflict of interest for Newham Councillors who are paid mayoral advisors and officers of a CLP.

2. That currently the Mayor appoints and dismisses all mayoral advisor positions.

3. The Mayoral adviser protocol means that they must accept collective responsibility for the Mayor’s (Executive) decisions.

4. The huge and welcome increase in our membership means that there are potentially more members who may wish to participate in the democratic processes of branches/CLPs.

5. That East Ham CLP has changed its standing orders to bar all Newham Councillors from being CLP officers. We understand this has had mixed outcomes and we do not think that such an extensive bar is necessary. However, it would be good governance for some changes to ensure that this potential conflict is removed.

This AGM resolves that:- It should be the convention that no Newham Council Cabinet member, Mayoral or Executive advisor#1 in receipt of Special Responsibility Allowance #2 should be allowed to be nominated or elected as a Branch/CLP officer.

This does NOT include unpaid Mayoral advisors, elected Labour Group Officers, Committee and Scrutiny Chairs.

If a Branch/CLP officer becomes a mayoral advisor s/he should resign immediately.

#1 or any other name given to such a role

#2 or any other monetary payment, salary, pension or allowance above the basic allowance paid to Councillors. 

The Labour Party compliance unit has confirmed that changes to standing orders can only take place at AGMs; therefore this amendment if carried will only be implemented for AGMs from 2017.

Proposed by Stratford and Newtown Branch, Forest Gate North Branch

(the motion has also been passed I understand by Manor Park branch in East Ham)