Showing posts with label west ham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label west ham. Show all posts

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Busy Labour Weekend in West Ham & Playing Away in Royal Victoria

 

It was a busy weekend. Friday started very early, getting into hard-to-access blocks to leaflet postal voters using trade access buttons. 

Saturday morning was my Councillor surgery at the newly refurbished Vicarage Lane Community Centre, which will be a fantastic asset once fully reopened. 

A resident came to discuss parking and park maintenance issues, accompanied by her young daughter, who attends the same primary school as my neighbour’s daughter. 

Later, I went canvassing with Adjoa and Parvin in West Ham (Sam couldn’t join us this time) and treated myself to a relatively healthy lunch at the Plaistow Cafe. 

In the afternoon, I joined Steve and Caroline, a fellow housing worker, in Royal Victoria with local MP James Asser, and the response was very positive. Steve and Caroline are recognised as active and hard working local representatives. 

On Sunday, I was back in West Ham with Adjoa, our retiring Councillor, John Whitworth, and local activists. I picked up casework and had encouraging conversations, but it’s clear we need to get our message out better—many residents had no idea about the Labour Government saved Newham from Tory-induced bankruptcy, the massive affordable housebuilding programme being funded, the 10,000 children lifted out of poverty by ending the two-child benefit cap, or the most radical increase in employment and renters’ rights in 60 years. The campaign continues tomorrow.

Thursday, April 09, 2026

Red Sky in West Ham

 

While out with our Labour action team colleagues this evening (Thursday) in West Ham ward, delivering local community leaflets we enjoyed a fantastic red sky sunset. Shepherds Delight....?

Monday, March 30, 2026

"On the knocker" next to West Ham Park

 

This canvass took place last Saturday, a week ago, during a street surgery next to West Ham Park. We had plenty of positive conversations with residents and noted some concerns about ASB and complex neighbour disputes. Some beautiful blossom in trees. 

Everyone was very friendly, and residents were glad to see an active Labour action team knocking on doors, asking about local West Ham issues and how best to address them.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

West Ham Ward SNT Panel Meeting

 

The photo collage is from the recent Ward Panel meeting with local Police and residents. West Ham Councillor John Whitworth, candidate Adjoa Kwarteng, and I attended to discuss crime and community safety in the ward. 

These meetings are held every few months, chaired by a local resident, and include reports from Police and Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on crime statistics and police actions. 

Residents can question the Police, share concerns, and help set local priorities to be addressed. 

Councillor Whitworth and I shared what the Council is doing to tackle common issues alongside Police and residents. 

This panel should be more widely known and attended, as any ward resident or local business can take part and contribute. It’s not just talk—over my 16 years as a local Councillor, I’ve seen it make real improvements to residents’ quality of life. 

The Police have also launched “Met Engage,” an online site where residents can sign up for updates, contact the Safer Neighbourhoods Team, and get more involved. 

Check out https://www.metengage.co.uk/Content/LocalArea/79642/West%20Ham and email the panel via WestHam@contact.metengage.co.uk

Friday, March 20, 2026

"We've recently had a jampacked Action Day of canvassing here in West Ham! Vote Labour on May 7th! 🌹🌹"


It was a fantastic Super Saturday with three canvassing sessions and over 35 activists in West Ham ward. Huge thanks to our organisers for their support. Although there was one particularly unpleasant incident involving a non-resident, which I reported to the police, the day overall was very positive, with plenty of casework and many local residents (though not all) happy to chat about real local issues, concerns, and possible solutions.

Saturday, December 20, 2025

"On the Knocker" Newham Labour Xmas Street Surgeries

 

Today I joined Newham Labour Mayoral Candidate 2026, Forhad Hussain, local Councillors, activists and 2026 candidates, to carry out a series of street surgeries across Newham - Green Street (which I missed), West Ham, Canning Town and Little Ilford. 

There were also a number of other street surgeries elsewhere in Newham and tomorrow another full programme. 

In some of the surgeries, I led teams on the Labour Party doorstep app, while on others I knocked on doors and asked residents if they had any issues or problems with the Council that they wished to discuss with Forhad or our Labour teams. 

I only came across entirely local issues regarding parking, street cleaning and rubbish/waste collection and disposal. Resident were generally very pleased that we were there knocking on doors and asking for their views but many were also out Christmas shopping or away on holidays. 

There was blue skies and sunshine, a little cold but dry, you could not get better weather at this time of the year to go "On the Knocker". 

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Newham "ACTIVATE" training & out canvassing for Labour Mayoral Candidate - Forhad Hussain

I was very pleased to be selected again as a Labour Councillor candidate for West Ham ward in Newham. Today around 60 Newham fellow candidates, attended an all day training in Forest Gate run by the Labour Activate programme. This was the first time that we had met together. It was probably one of the best political organising training courses I have been on. 

There was a nice mix of presentations, Q&As and small group work. It was very clear that the presentation team were very experienced and competent. 

After lunch there was the inevitable Group photograph with us all and our new Labour Mayoral Candidate, Forhad Hussain, local MPs Sir Stephen Timms, James Asser, Uma Kumaran and Unmesh Desai AM. Photos - no doubt will follow. 

Then Forhad gave a short, well received speech outlining who he was, why he is in politics and what he is determined to achieve for Newham if elected. 

Next we were taken out in small groups with a tutor to actually go out and practice what we had learnt. Each of the Group took turns to brief the team, on what to do when out campaigning, then each lead us for 10 minutes "running the board" (leading and directing the team and inputting feedback online via their phone). 

It got very, very wet towards the end but despite the rain it did not "put a damper on" a really positive day.  Tomorrow we finish the course with an "online session". 

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Surgery, Canvass then Forest Walk


Busy day. Cycled down to my Newham Council advice surgery in Stratford Library then joined Forest Gate North ward colleagues for a local door knock. Which went well, I experienced a mostly very positive approach to Labour, which I think is down to the excellent local Councillors, Rachel and Liz. It was nice to get back campaigning after a couple of weeks off due to Conference and annual leave. The cleaning and communal repair standards of the housing blocks we visited was mostly good. 

Afterwards, since it was such a pleasant, warm and sunny day, Gill and I walked from home to Chingford through Epping Forest. We took the train back home and then had delicious pub grub at the nearby Holly Tree, where we came across other Labour folk including the very quiet and retiring, Cllr Alan Griffiths. 

A good day. 

Monday, July 28, 2025

West Ham in Person Surgery, East Ham Neighbourhood watch stall & East Ham South Street Surgery

 

On Saturday I had my Councillor surgery in West Ham ward. I had 2 residents attend. One was about a very complicated "Succession of Tenancy" issue and the second about an appeal against a delay in granting a Blue Badge renewal. Due to the new case work system in Newham, I was able to raise both member enquiries via my phone. 

I then arrived late at a East Ham South canvass event which then became a Neighbourhood watch street stall. What a marvellous initiative with local Newham Council enforcement officers also attending. 

Next I was to join a well attended street surgery session in East Ham South with local Councillors. I was asked to run the session on the Labour doorstep app. I would advise colleagues on who to call upon and then input any information received. The Councillors took up the individual case work. It went very well. A pretty positive result for Labour. 

Note a very good notice board in the foyer of one L&Q Housing Association blocks. 

As chair of Newham Labour Group I look forward to visiting and campaigning in all our Newham wards. 

Saturday, July 12, 2025

West Ham and Manor Park Street Surgery

 

Last Saturday I joined my West Hammer comrades John & Varghese for our ward street surgery. We went to the historic heart of the ward - Church Street. 

As a local Councillor, I picked up case work on housing repairs - individual and communal, rubbish collection and bin sheds, planning issues (see middle top) and street homelessness. The reaction to us calling was all pretty positive and it was good to see again, local community activists and Labour Party members and chat about issues. The top left picture was us in the front of a very welcome Council new build development. 

This morning I joined Manor Park comrades, local Councillor Salim and Hassan. We knocked up the Wanstead flats side of the ward. The recent grass fire on the flats had obviously caused concern. While there was some polite push back from known opponents, it was overall very solid Labour. It is clear that some Labour supporters are very concerned with local and national Party issues but are still giving us the opportunity to earn their trust. 

As Chair of Newham Labour Group, I will be joining all Newham wards in their future street surgeries. 

Sunday, June 29, 2025

West Ham Labour Street Surgery

 

After my static advice surgery on Saturday morning I joined local volunteers and Councillors to carry out a door by door street surgery in West Ham.

We knocked on the doors of residents and ask them if they have any problems or issues with Newham Council that they wish to discuss with their local Councillors. Usually, residents are pleased to see us (although a tiny number disguise it very well) and have nothing to report but are grateful for receiving our contact details and that we hold a local advice surgery every Saturday (apart from Bank holiday weekends and August). 

We started off with a modern housing association block managed by L&Q. I was concerned that there appeared to be some out of date notices regarding fire safety/disrepair actions posted on a communal board, which I will chase up with them. 

Next we knocked at a Council managed block which had recently had substantial environmental improvements but residents were very concerned with cleaning standards and access to recycling bins. There was also reports of ongoing damp and mould problems, which I will also follow up. Overcrowding is a huge issue with adult children forced to stay at home since they cannot afford alternative accommodation. 

I was pleased to see that the old Britannia Pub has also been refurbished and modernised. It will hopefully reopen soon. 

The final door knock was Victorian street properties and discussed reports of ASB, rodents and tree pruning. 

In total we had 87 contacts and finished off with a late brunch in a nearby cafe. 

On the way home I looked for a plaque on a wall in an adjacent street, which I believe is connected to a 1733 boundary post I came across the previous week while canvassing in Stratford see John's Labour blog: Labour Street Surgery in Stratford. I found the plaque which I had posted upon here in 2013 John's Labour blog: West Ham doorstep & Leaflet drop. 

It seems that land in Stratford and West Ham had been donated to support St Mary's Church in Rotherhithe. I wonder what the legal situation is nowadays? I am meeting former Councillor John Saunders on Tuesday evening and will ask him if he knows more. 

Saturday, September 28, 2024

A West Ham Labour doorstep

 

Picture collage of today's doorstep with my West Ham ward Councillor colleague John Whitworth and our super local activist, Varghese. It did not start well since the Labour Party canvass software (contact creator) was not working and we could not download information on who to call at. 

So we did an old fashioned doorstep and knocked on every door in the area. After a rather large number of elections this year it was pleasant, not to be just identifying supporters and asking for votes, but speaking to residents about any problems or issues they may have with the Council, life or the new Labour Government  (as it turned out). 

At one home I picked up a housing repair chase by a Council tenant, who was also trying to console her 2 young, very upset, grandchildren, whose goldfish had just died.  The children asked me if I was able to help their goldfish but I had so say to them that I could not but I was sure they had given the fish a wonderful life.

I later had a lovely time with a very friendly English short hair house cat (see collage). 

I had complaints about the Newham Council telephone contact centre, not answering up calls in a timely manner and I will be raising this issue with management. Other complaints about fly tipping, weeds in communal areas and unkept gardens.  

I did also get some ear bashing about the ending of winter fuel grants for all pensioners, including two residents who were about to lose the benefit. But they were not hostile and understood what a dreadful financial hole the new government was in. One of them was a UNISON member in schools and we had a chat about the forthcoming strike ballot on pay (if your union says vote to reject the pay offer - so vote to reject and in favour of action)

At the end of the canvass, I called on another pensioner, who described himself as "a retired trade union Labour man", who was a very strong supporter of the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and gave a very detailed account of why the Tory mismanagement of our economy in the past had made very difficult decisions inevitable. 

It was good to see the Newham council new build project opposite the estate. 

I will be contacting Dominos Pizza about their canvassers just throwing leaflets on the floor of blocks. We saw this in 3 different housing blocks and I will be asking Council officers if we can prosecute this shameful litter bug. 

Tuesday, September 03, 2024

Newham Voices: Sept 24 - Blitz memory

 


This evening I finally got to read my monthly e-newsletter from "Newham Voices". Which is our free community led news, information and entertainment resource for Newham residents. While free, it costs money to run so please consider subscribing - Newham Voices.

I was reminded that this weekend is the anniversary of the start of the Blitz in London and the plaque shown in the caption remembers, the 13 Air Raid wardens killed by a German bomb. This was on what is now the site of the Newham Council repair depot in West Ham ward, where I am a Councillor. 

By the end of the Blitz the following May, Hitler's Nazi bombers had killed 146 West Ham and East Ham residents. Many more civilians were die in the following years. 

Never forget. 

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Getting out the Labour Postal vote in West Ham, Plaistow & Canning Town

 

Yesterday I spent the morning in West Ham ward with our local MP, Lyn Brown, my colleague Cllr Charlene Mclean (and our super young pioneer) and our top activist Varghese . 

We were calling at all Labour supporters who are postal voters to remind them to fill out their 3 votes for:-

  1. Sadiq Khan as London Mayor, 
  2. Unmesh Desai as local City & East London Assembly member and 
  3. Labour - for the List candidates.  

It was a lovely warm, spring day day so many residents were out and the contact rate was not great but Labour support was pretty solid. 

In the afternoon, Lyn and I joined Plaistow West & Canning East ward Councillors John Morris & Simon Rush with local activist Veronica. We were later joined by my UNISON colleague and Hackney Wick Councillor, Joseph Ogundemuren.  

Again, many residents were out but very firm support for Sadiq and Labour from those who were in.

Register to vote online if you you are not registered by 11.59pm 16 April 2024 https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote . It usually takes only 5 minutes. 

Applications to have a postal vote have to be by this Wednesday 17/4/24 by 5pm https://www.newham.gov.uk/council/vote-post

Thursday, September 28, 2023

The EastEnders Effect. Episode 28: Representation in the East End


It is a bit long but a fascinating interview by my (he lives in my ward that I serve as a Councillor and is also a UNISON member) constituent, Ade Adeyemi, of my UNISON comrade, Joseph Ogundemuren. Joseph  speaks from the heart about growing up as a working class black male in an East London Council estate from immigrant parents. His experiences as a mega UNISON activist and rep, as a homeless charity trustee in Newham and also a Labour Party Councillor in next door Hackney wick. 

Joseph makes it clear that he would like to be a MP and that there is likely to be a selection process soon for the new West Ham and Beckton seat.... Watch this space. 

Monday, June 05, 2023

Newham Voices June 2023: The Black Lion in "Something Brewing"

 

I enjoyed reading the latest version of the free community newspaper "Newham Voices" https://www.facebook.com/newhamvoices/ over the weekend. The historic Black Lion pub in Plaistow is one of my top 5 favourite pubs in Newham. 

It definitely has character and a great beer garden. The service and food is good and there is usually a fresh seafood stall in the car park during busy times. A regular post Labour Party meeting/canvass refreshment point. Many happy memories, some great political discussions and very occasionally, the odd stand up row! 

Friday, March 31, 2023

The Gas Workers’ and General Labourers’ Union was formed #OTD 1889

For all my Boiler Makers friends and comrades. The predecessor to the GMB Union was formed on this day in Beckton Gas works, what is now in Newham, London by future West Ham Mayor and MP, Will Thorne. 

Hat tip @englishradical 


Tuesday, March 14, 2023

125th Anniversary of the 1st Ever "Labour" Council - West Ham 1 November 1898 - 2023

 

I have posted in the past on former Cllr George Coe on my blog, https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2015/05/west-ham-municipal-elections-1893-now.html and https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2020/10/socialist-labour-west-ham-cllr-george.html .

I now have further information from his Grandson and it appears that this year (2023) is the 125th anniversary of the 1st “Labour” council in West Ham and I believe the UK.

I think we ought to organise something to mark the occasion. I have contacted Newham Labour Group and local Labour Colleagues about how we can celebrate this important anniversary. Watch this space.

(note pamphlet is from 100th anniversary in 1998)

Sunday, February 05, 2023

Your Labour Team for West Ham

 

After my Councillor surgery in the morning (local planning case work) I led on the Saturday afternoon "Street Surgery" of West Ham ward in Newham, London. Knocking on doors in what is apparently, the longest side road in the borough, Corporation Street, E15.  

We were talking to residents about local issues and their concerns they may have with the area and Newham Council, but also asking about what they think about national politics. 

I had some tough but constructive conversations about ASB/Street drinkers/fly tipping/parking controls but overall it was very positive for Labour. 

Residents like their local Councillors knocking on their doors, introducing themselves and listening. They very much like the idea that we have a weekly face to face surgery (drop in - no appointment necessary) inside the ward (Vicarage Lane Community Centre 10-11am every Saturday except Bank Holiday weekends) and they can contact us by phone or email. 

On national politics it was to me evident that some residents, who had been previously been against Labour and/or supported over parties, were going to support us in the next General Election to get rid of the Tories. 

However, we should be taking nothing for granted and always remember how ruthless and effective the Tory election machine is and the Labour Party past record for shooting itself in the foot. 

Picture of me, John W, Charlene and out top West Ham Labour activist, Varghese


Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Support London Ambulance Service (and other NHS Strikes)


It was an honour to attend this LAS picket line in West Ham on behalf of Greater London UNISON Regional Council officer. This is a live operational picket line (pickets may be called to go out on a "life or limb" call at any time so must ensure no delay or anyone joining the picket possibly injured) so please use social media to show solidarity. #PutNHSpayright. The strike continues until midnight. 

Update: I came back this evening and just missed this great photo