Sharing a picture from a wonderful recent walk around the Kent Thames Estuary. Just about 50-ish minutes by car from East London, it was so quiet and peaceful. The following day, we went in search of Pip and Magwitch.Read more…
The “King of the North” speaks to UNISON Labour Link Forum
Reflections from Labour Link Forum – A Week That Felt Like a Turning PointJust over a week ago, UNISON Labour Link delegates gathered in Manchester for our annual Forum — and we were privileged to welcome the man many call the King of the North, Andy B…Read more…
📢🌹 UNISON has endorsed Andy Burnham to become the next leader of the Labour Party.
I (and many others) spoke in support of Andy at today’s meeting, where we unanimously endorsed him as Leader.”The Labour Link Committee has selected its preferred successor to Keir Starmer, with UNISON – the UK’s largest trade union – backing And…Read more…
UNISON National Labour Link Forum pre meet & Campaigning for Bev In Manchester
The UNISON National Labour Link Forum this year was in Manchester. An interesting place to be politically at any time, but especially at this moment.I took the train on Wednesday evening after helping to chair LAPFF meetings and arrived late. On Thursd…Read more…
Celebrating the Life of Gilbert Constantine Clarke – RAF World War 2 Veteran/Windrush Pioneer/Musician/Community Elder
On Saturday morning I attended the funeral service for Mr Clarke in the main chamber of East Ham Town Hall. The chamber was full to the doors — a testament to the love, respect and gratitude felt for a man whose generation helped save Britain fro…Read more…
Shoeburyness to Westcliff – Essex Coastal Walk
Last Sunday, Gill and I took the trains from Forest Gate out to Shoeburyness for another stretch of the Essex Coast. After the relative freshness of the previous weekend’s walk, we thought the sea breeze might offer a cooler alternative to an inl…Read more…
Clarification regarding the UNISON General Secretary statements regarding the Labour Party by UNISON Labour Link
Dear National Labour Link Committee and Regional Labour Link Committees, Some of you will have seen the article in the press and communications from the General Secretary Andrea Egan regarding an endorsement of Ed Miliband to be Chance…Read more…
The Passing of Second World War Veteran & Newham Resident: Gilbert: Clarke.
This Saturday I will be attending the memorial service at East Ham Town Hall on behalf of Newham Council to honour the life and service of Gilbert, a veteran whose courage helped safeguard our freedoms at a moment of profound danger for our country.I f…Read more…
West Ham Ward Councillor report: Week ending 28/6/26
This is a factual round‑up of my recent activities as one of your West Ham Ward Councillors. Please feel free to share with neighbours, community groups, and WhatsApp chats.Safeguarding Induction – Adults & ChildrenOn Monday evening, Cllr Kwarteng …Read more…
🌤️ A Post‑Conference “Recovery Walk” on the Benfleet Downs & Hadleigh Marsh
Hadleigh Castle, marshes, detours and a bit of social historyAfter a full-on UNISON conference week & then a Newham Council Saturday, I escaped to Essex with Gill for what we optimistically called a “recovery walk” — the familiar 6.5‑mile circular …Read more…
Saturday Councillor Surgery
This morning I held my West Ham ward Councillor surgery at Vicarage Lane Community Centre. Arriving at 10am, I found seven residents already waiting to speak with me.Two residents raised an urgent parking and anti-social behaviour (ASB) issue. I …Read more…
UNISON NDC 2026 – Reflections (Day Four and home)
NDC Day – Reflections on a Full and Moving FridayI was up early and went for a run — well, a slow jog — east along the prom for fifteen minutes before turning back to the hotel. Warm, dry, and misty: the kind of morning that feels suspended in ti…Read more…
UNISON NDC 2026 – Reflections (Day Three)
Day three started with some early HIIT training to wake me up, followed by an NEC pre-meeting and then breakfast with my Community colleague Denise.Conference (NDC) began at 9:30am, and thankfully the rudeness and disrespect previously shown towa…Read more…
UNISON NDC 2026 – Reflections (Day Two)
Early Morning Run and NEC Conference Reflections – BrightonIt was an early start this morning with a run—well, more of a slow jog—along Brighton seafront. There’s something grounding about getting out before the day properly begins, especially ah…Read more…
UNISON NDC 2026 – Reflections (Day One)
For the first time in many years, I arrived late to the start of UNISON National Delegate Conference due to other urgent matters. I am attending conference in my capacity as an elected member of the UNISON National Executive Council (NEC) for Community…Read more…
West Ham Ward Panel AGM & Meeting 4.6.26
Yesterday evening myself and my Labour & Co‑op Councillor colleague Adjoa Kwarteng with Green Councillor Ibrahim Alom attended the meeting of the West Ham Ward Panel, alongside local residents and four officers from our Safer Neighbourhoods Team.Th…Read more…
Tribute to Councillor who built trust
A touching tribute from a resident to former Labour Stratford Councillor Sabia Kamali, who unfortunately lost her seat in last month’s elections. She was one of the most talented and dedicated Councillors I’ve ever met. I’m confident this is just…Read more…
Thank you dinner for Labour activists
A great snapshot from last week’s dinner for Labour activists in Newham, held after May’s election. It was a lovely meal with constructive feedback on the campaign. Many thanks to the candidates for organising such a well-supported event.&nb…Read more…
“What has a Labour Government ever done for us?…Employment rights reforms”
🌙 Rough Sleeper Count: A Midnight Snapshot of Life on Our Streets
Last Thursday evening, just before midnight, our Newham Council teams gathered once again for the latest bi‑monthly count of people sleeping rough across the borough. From midnight until 3am, staff and volunteers fanned out across known locations…Read more…