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. 

Another evening "on the knocker" in Plaistow South

 

This evening I was the "board runner" again (not with a clip board anymore but a Labour Party mobile phone app) with a group of activists led by our by election candidate, Ash. 

We did both sides of a very long street in the ward. It was threatening to rain but there was only a few occasional drops.  I read out the briefing to all the teams at the beginning and Ash thanked everyone for giving up their time to support him. There was then the inevitable photo! 

Another positive canvass. Some negativity but that is democracy for you. It was good to be involved with lots of enthusiastic activists from all ages, experience and backgrounds, coming together to fight the good fight.

By election is Thursday 18 September. Check out here if you can join us. https://events.labour.org.uk/

If you have not canvassed before do not worry, since your will be paired with an experienced activist until you feel comfortable to knock on a door by yourself.  

"On the knocker" in Hainault By Election

 

Today I went to help out in the Labour campaign to elect Helen Mullis as a Labour Councillor in a Council by election in Hainault, Redbridge, London. 

It was a lovely warm and sunny day. On route I saw local MP Jas Athwal. 

At first I was on a team with local activists (including a NHS UNISON member) and Portsmouth MP, Amanda Martin, which went knocking on doors of voters near Hainault Country Park to remind them to vote. 

I rang one video internet door bell and had a conversation with a voter who was away in Cyprus, who obviously could not vote that day. 

When I knocked on another door, I thought the resident who answered seemed familiar but I could not place her. She remarked on my UNISON tee-shirt and it turned out she is the sister of former UNISON National Health and Safety Officer, Hope Daily, who I did a year long TUC/IOSH safety diploma  course with many years ago. 

After a delicious home cooked chicken curry snack at the campaign headquarters, I went out in a second group with my colleague Newham Sue (Masters), local Councillors, Helen & Prabjit and activist Alex. I was asked to lead the Group using the Labour Doorstep phone app. Beforehand Wes Streeting MP came out with a canvass team as well. 

This canvass was very positive. Newham Sue treated us to ice creams towards the end of the canvass which went down very well. We had 35 contacts in total which wasn't that bad. 

Fingers crossed for Labour candidate, Helen Mullis, everyone I met who had actually spoken to her, were very complimentary. 

UPDATE: Helen won - by one vote! John's Labour blog: Every vote counts (wining by 1)

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. 

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. 

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.

Out and about for Labour in Boleyn

 

This morning after my West Ham ward Councillor surgery, I cycled over and joined Labour colleagues in Boleyn ward to deliver Direct messages to local residents. I missed the local MP, Sir Stephen Timms who had been with teams earlier but did join the Mayor, Candidate Sofia Patel and local Councillors and activists, walking up and down stairs delivering these messages. 

Most of the activity took place at the site of the Old West Ham FC stadium. The picture top right is I think where the centre of the pitch used to be.

It was pretty hot and a real treat to finish this session with ice cream! 

Neil Guild - Labour Candidate for Somerton and Frome By Election 2023

Congratulations to Neil Guild, our UNISON Regional Convenor for the South West, who has been selected by Labour to be the candidate in the Somerton and Frome By Election.

I have known Neil for a number of years and last week I sat next to him, at UNISON National Delegate Conference, since we were both delegates for our regions. 

Neil is a senior UNISON lay representative and served our country as a soldier on active duty. He is also a sensible, principled but pragmatic, all round nice guy, who will make a brilliant MP. 

West Hammers helping out at Lewisham East this Saturday 9 June 2pm at Lee Station: Vote Janet Daby

West Ham Labour Party are organising a campaigning event to support the Labour Candidate (and UNISON member), Janet Daby, in the Lewisham East By Election. 

We are meeting outside Lee Station at 2pm on Saturday 9 June.

To get there you can meet West Ham CLPers outside ticket barriers Stratford Station (NOT Westfields side) 12.50 sharp to travel together to Lee station (only 36 minutes) or drive/cycle to 

SE12 9JG.

Contact me if you planning to go so I can let the local organisers know numbers.

Greater London UNISON Labour Link backs Janet Danby for Lewisham East

Greater London UNISON Labour Link has made a supportive nomination for our union member (and former social worker) Janet Daby in the Lewisham East by election.

She is also the Lewisham Deputy Mayor and will make an excellent Parliamentary candidate.

Check out her on Twitter and Facebook

Forest Gate North Labour Party Councillor candidate selection process

Following the resignation of Forest Gate North Councillor, Ellie Robertson, in order to take up a politically restricted post in City Hall, we have a Newham Council by election on July 14 (Bastille Day).

This Thursday 16 June there will be a meeting of Forest Gate North Branch Labour Party members to decide who to short list and then elect as our candidate for this vacancy.

I hope all eligible members will turn up to select our candidate. You need to be a fully paid up member for at least 6 months and you cannot be in subscription arrears (although you can pay up any arrears before the start of the meeting).

I am Vice Chair of the Branch and gave a commitment to members at our last meeting that the branch would to every thing possible to make sure that the selection process is fair, democratic and inclusive. 

Striking junior doctor Dr Rosena Allin-Khan picked as Labour candidate for Tooting

Picture of the new Labour Candidate for the Tooting By-election  "We are delighted to announce that Rosena Allin-Khan has been selected by local members as Labour's candidate in the upcoming by-election in Tooting, following Sadiq Khan's election as Mayor of London.

 

The by-election will take place on 16 June 2016 – if you are eligible to take part please make a note of the date and remember to vote.

 

Following her selection, Rosena said the following:

“I love Tooting. I was born and raised here, and there’s no other place I’d rather raise my children.

 

“As your MP, I will use all my experience, including as an A&E specialist doctor at St George’s hospital, to improve local services and make sure our area remains affordable for everyone living here.”

 

Veronica Oakeshott: Labour Candidate in Boleyn Ward By Election, Newham, London

Congratulations to Veronica Oakeshott for being selected as the Labour Candidate in Boleyn ward in East Ham for the by-election on 3 December 2015.  Commiserations to the other excellent candidates.

The by-election was caused by the sad and unexpected death of local Councillor, Charity Fiberesima.

If elected Veronica will make an excellent Labour Councillor.

 Seen here campaigning for Labour with her baby daughter outside Newham polling station during 2014 Council election. 

By Election - Boleyn Ward, Newham Council

A Council By election has been called for Thursday 3 December 2015 in Boleyn Ward, Newham following the very
sad and unexpected death of my colleague, Councillor Charity Fiberesima.

It is a "Women only" short list (the other 2 Councillors for the ward are both men). To be eligible you have to be a Labour Party Member for at least 12 months.  I think there is a residential requirement as well but not sure how long.

I am pleased to note that is being pointed out that any candidate should be a member of a trade union if eligible (Charity was an UNISON member and a strong supporter of trade unions). 

You have to return your nomination paper by 5pm Thursday 29 October ! (All Party members in Newham should have received this information today and details on how to request nomination forms).  We need lots of good candidates to put themselves forward to make sure Labour Party members in the ward have the
widest possible choice.

I hope that all ward secretaries in Eastand West Ham will forward this information urgently in case any of their members did not receive individual notification. 

Aldborough by-election Redbridge Thursday 10 November 2011

On Thursday there is an important by election in Tory run Redbridge Council in East London. The Labour Candidate is Debbie Thiara (picture left). This is in a mixed Labour/Tory ward. 

Newham Labour Party activists have been helping out during the campaign.

Polling day is this Thursday, 10 November, and the polls are open from 7am-10pm. To help, please go to 105 Headley Drive, Ilford, IG2 6QL (map here - nearest tube is Gants Hill or Newbury Park).

For more information, please contact their Campaign
Organiser Matt Goddin on 07932 691 809.

UPDATE: Labour win "Newly elected Cllr Debbie Thiara will now join Conservative Cllrs Ruth Clark and Vanessa Cole representing constituents in the ward. She polled 1,436 votes in yesterday’s election, with Conservative candidate Melvyn Marks getting, 1,071 votes. No other candidate reached three figures in the count at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford.
Liberal Democrat Christopher Greaves was third with 87 votes, United Kingdom Independence Party candidate Paul Wiffen was fourth with 83 votes, ahead of the Green Party’s Clive Durdle with 64 votes and the British National Party’s Daniel Warville who got 34 votes. Turnout was 24.6 per cent".