Whitechapel update - Bethnal Green & Bow

Second to last branch selection meeting. At the very Tower Hamlets "Berner Estate Clubroom". There was a very different atmosphere today amongst candidates "lobbying" outside and local members coming to vote. People were very tense and serious. There was about 30 odd non ward members outside talking about the merits of various candidates. I thought that candidates, branch members and "observers" were on edge (this includes me!), calculating who was there, who hadn't turned up, why hadn't they? Would they honour their pledges????

I did not get this nomination (I think I know why) however, the level of support was pleasing and I look forward to the GC shortlisting process.

We're Backing Ayub for Bethnal Green & Bow

Local trade union steward and Labour Party activist Fuzlul Chowdhury says “Ayub is very hard working, intelligent and experienced. He is a credit to Tower Hamlets and the Labour Party”.

Bow West Decides

Bow West is a much bigger branch and there was better representation tonight of candidates "lobbying" members. Due to time restraints I have not "worked" Bow. However, I was able to chat to a number of local members while we waited for the doors of the centre to be opened. I'll be very "busy" in the next few weeks!

Click on the photo to expand.

Local residents passing by were most amused about what we were doing and why! Only two more selections meetings to go.

The first Bow Selection

Very quick post tonight. Picture of candidates outside St Paul's Church, St Stephens Road for the first Bow branch selection meeting. Smallest number of candidates attending such a meeting yet? Does this mean anything? No women candidates turned up? The atmosphere outside is still remarkably friendly and relaxed? Obviously there are tensions (interesting photo)

We're Backing Ayub for Bethnal Green & Bow

I was born and bred in Tower Hamlets and I've spent my entire working life in the borough as well. Ayub is young, modern and committed. He will get everyone behind him at the next General Election.

John Gilbert - Plumber & Carpenter for local Housing Association.

Success in Mile End & Globe Town

Many thanks to to party members in Mile End and Globe Town. I won another nomination and also narrowly lost out (by one vote!) to one from Weavers branch.

The selection process has been dealt a upset by the unexpected and sudden withdrawal today by one of the other favourites, Anwara Ali. Anwara told me that as a scientist she had worked out that she would lose, so there was no point in going on for this election. She is a talented and capable candidate and I wish her well for future campaigns.

As a long time observer of Tower Hamlets politics, the selection process seems to be progressing remarkably smoothly without any "big rows" (see picture of some of the 64 candidates and CLP officers). No doubt that once I post this, there will be the most enormous disagreement about something tomorrow!

News Statesman Article

Last night I was out meeting members in Weavers and Globe Town. Both branches are meeting this evening in order to decide who to nominate as a candidate. It will be really busy. I have to arrange for my supporters to be outside both meetings, arrange lifts for Party members, get more leaflets printed etc.

One member I talked to mentioned an article I wrote for the News Statesman in January and he suggested that I post a link to it.