Chilling with Socialism and Sofia

God Daughter Sofia strikes a pose

I did something I haven’t done for a year last week – I left Leyton! After the demanding local election campaign and enjoyable, but challenging, council work I’ve thrown myself into, I finally took a short break from the leaflets and the town hall, to spend a relaxing week in Italy with my God daughter Sofia (the little girl pictured above and with me in the “About Me” section of this site) and her mum, Sabine, dad, Ferdinand and sister, Julia Continue reading “Chilling with Socialism and Sofia”

What’s the Hidden Agenda?

I have recently begun to write a column for fab youth website ‘Hidden Agendas’ to share my experiences as a new “young” local councillor.

Hidden Agendas is the website where young people go for political opinion, debate and action. It offers a place to explore ideas, discuss a broad range of issues and make contact with campaigning organisations. It provides progressive young people with a gateway from single issues to the wider world of politics Continue reading “What’s the Hidden Agenda?”

Leyton’s Street Wardens are the Best in the World!

With Frank, Ebony and Juliet from the Leyton Street Wardens

One of the best things about living in Leyton is our Street Wardens. The street wardens are a team of ten that patrol the area and keep an eye out on what’s going on in the local community. They are extremely popular and a real part of Leyton life. Such was the success of the wardens in Leyton that the scheme has now been rolled out across Waltham Forest borough.

On my way to work the other day, I had the pleasure of bumping into Frank, Ebony and Juliet (pictured with me above) who were on duty outside Leyton tube station.

Ebony (pictured next to me on the left) has been nominated for a National Street Wardens Award. Both local MP Harry Cohen and I have sent letters of support. Continue reading “Leyton’s Street Wardens are the Best in the World!”

Save the Beaumont Sweet Shop!

Prem Maisuria handing me his petition

Over the past couple of months, I have been involved in the local campaign to help the confectioners run by Mr and Mrs Maisuria on the Beaumont Estate. Readers who’ve visited this site before, will remember the opening of the shop in April, which was attended by local MP, Harry Cohen and I.

Unfortunately, barely three months after that lovely day, Mr Maisuira’s business is being threatened with closure because of building work going on the Beaumont Estate, to give the area a much needed and welcome face lift. Access to the shop has been blocked off since early July and Mr and Mrs Maisuria are losing worrying amounts of takings Continue reading “Save the Beaumont Sweet Shop!”