Voting for Change in Newham - My announcement

 

Dear Mayor and Councillors colleagues

I will be stepping down from my position as Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Lead for Housing Services. I wish to play an active role in the 2021 Newham Mayoral referendum campaign in support of a committee model.

After working as a Councillor for over 10 years under two Mayors I have come to the conclusion that this is the right model for Newham.  I therefore do not think it is appropriate for me to remain in the Cabinet.

I will, of course, fully support whoever is appointed as Cabinet Lead for Housing Services.

Regards

John Gray 

Councillor I West Ham Ward

Deputy Mayor I Cabinet Member for Housing Services I

London Borough of Newham

(Please check out "Newham Voting for Change")

"Dear Pissed off Voter...why I am going to Vote"

The right to vote is so precious. People have suffered and died for this right. Politics in this country is far from perfect but if you don't vote, then you betraying these democracy martyrs from the past and present and just giving the thumbs up to bigots, dictators and fascists.

Hat tip Bill Beedell on Facebook.

Democracy Day: "Have you voted yet? Nah... There's gonna be a Peoples' Revolution any minute..."

Today is "Democracy Day" the 750 anniversary of the first ever Parliament in Westminster. There was a fascinating debate on Radio 4 "Today" this morning which resulted in sparks between young and old about feelings of disenfranchisement with politics and accusations of laziness. It was noted that neither side really understood each other.

Check out Kitty Jones thoughts on Non Voters. She is not one to pull her punches.

Choosing Not to Vote isn't Rebellion...It's Surrender.

"Frustrated at politicians not listening to working people? We are too. But when you don't vote, you don't "send a message" to those in power or make your frustrations known. You are simply not heard" Hat tip North Carolina NAACP (via Facebook)

Bite The Ballot - Do young people care about voting?

This is a great YouTube video by "Bite The Ballot". "Young people don't care about voting or politics. That is what we keep hearing. So, we spoke to them, turns out they do care!

Want to get involved? Play our Put your money where your mouth is game here - http://games.bitetheballot...."

It just happens to have the top West Ham Ward Young Socialist, Rania Ramli, appear in it! 

What happens if you don't vote?

I think that we should never forget what will happen if you don't vote.
"Make sure you have YOUR say in London's future. Register to vote or for a Postal Vote at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. Put the date 22 May in your diary.

No whingers - National Register to Vote Day

This morning on Breakfast TV there was a really, really sensible and articulate young man on why everyone should register and vote.

My view of course is if you don't vote then don't complain or whinge about anything to do with the government or local councils. 

Such winging without even voting once every 4 years is frankly pathetic. But is your choice. 

But remember that millions of Brits have died for your right to vote. 

Don't disrespect them.

A family member of mine has a Zero hour employment contract on minimum wage. She lives in marginal Tory constituency. I asked her if she voted at the last general election and she and her partner said no.

"If we had AV last year there could have been a Labour LibDem Government"

This morning while listening (yet again) to "Today" on the way into work, they interviewed John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde. He number crunched that if we had AV in the last election, there could have been a Labour led Coalition government. Presumably, at the expense of Tories MP’s .

In 1997 he claimed that there would have been an even bigger majority for Labour under AV

I actually think that no-one really know how the Great British Public will actually vote in a AV election. Asking people for the last 20 years who are their second preference is not that useful if you have a First Past the Post system in place. If voter’s thought that their second preference vote actually meant something - this could change peoples voting behaviour.

I cannot see at all what is wrong with the principle that every single MP is supported by at least 50% of voters?

While, if like me, you think there is a progressive majority in this country, who when presented with credible progressive parties and policies they would (usually) support them. Then I think the case for AV is unanswerable.

A Labour led Coalition with the “Orange Book” Liberal Democrats such as Clegg would have been a nightmare at times but when compared to this horrible reactionary Government, which is hell bent on destroying our public services and our welfare state, then the choice I think is clear.

Vote Labour and Yes to AV.

Of course. In my opinion. For what it is worth.