Newham Labour Left @LeftNewham

POWER TO THE PEOPLE! ✊ A MAJOR VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY IN NEWHAM! At the Full Council meeting, the Newham Independents Party proposed a motion challenging the Labour Mayor’s plan to divide Newham into eight neighbourhoods and appoint Labour-led neighbourhood commissioners. The motion was PASSED by Full Council! This is a significant victory for the opposition and a major political setback for the Labour Mayor. The Mayor must now listen to the democratically elected councillors and respect the mandate residents have given them. Newham is a council with no overall political control. Executive powers should not mean ignoring the voices of elected representatives or the communities they serve. This vote demonstrates what a united opposition can achieve through democratic scrutiny and accountability. The Mayor should reconsider his plans and work with councillors from across all political groups to ensure fair representation for every neighbourhood. 🎥 WATCH MY SPEECH proposing the motion at Full Council. POWER TO THE PEOPLE! WE ARE FOR THE PEOPLE! NEWHAM INDEPENDENTS — WORKING FOR YOU! #NewhamIndependents #PowerToThePeople #NewhamCouncil #LocalDemocracy #Accountability #Newham

🚨 HOMEOWNERS BEWARE! YOUR HOME COULD BE TAKEN OVER WHILE YOU’RE AWAY! Imagine going on holiday and returning to find strangers occupying your home, claiming they have a legitimate tenancy agreement! I recently interviewed a Newham homeowner who went through this terrible ordeal. While he was away on holiday, his property was taken over by alleged squatters. He was forced to go through the courts, obtain an interim injunction and attend a final hearing, which eventually ruled in his favour. But the damage had already been done. 💔 Thousands of pounds spent on repairs, personal belongings lost, months of stress and the emotional trauma of fighting to regain control of his own home. What concerns me even more is that this does not appear to be an isolated incident in Newham. I have come across other cases where people allegedly use fake tenancy agreements to claim they have a legal right to occupy properties, making it difficult for homeowners and the authorities to resolve the situation quickly. How can a homeowner be left fighting through the courts to regain possession of their own property? We need greater awareness, stronger action against fraudulent tenancy agreements and better coordination between the police, council and relevant authorities to protect innocent homeowners. 🎥 Please watch this homeowner’s interview and hear firsthand what he has been through. If you have experienced something similar in Newham, please share your experience. #Newham #Squatters #HomeownersRights #PropertyFraud #HousingCrime #NewhamIndependents

A proud and historic moment for Newham’s Tamil community. 🇬🇧 Following the successful passage of the motion recognising January as Tamil Heritage Month in Newham, I’m pleased to share this message from Newham Independents Party Councillor Anand Kumar, one of our Tamil councillors. Cllr Kumar speaks from the heart about what this recognition means to the Tamil community, particularly our young people, and celebrates the enormous contribution Tamil residents make to Newham. This is about recognising heritage, celebrating contribution and ensuring every community feels valued and represented in our diverse borough. Congratulations to the entire Tamil community of Newham. 👏 Please listen to Cllr Anand Kumar’s message. 👇 #TamilHeritageMonth #TamilCommunity #Newham #NewhamIndependents #TamilHeritage

Refugees are not the enemy! My speech on the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Cable Street.

Let us put aside party politics where we can and work together across the political   divide. Let ward councillors, residents and community organisations all have a   meaningful voice and challenge each other where we must and put Newham residents first 💛

A Night to Remember for Newham’s Tamil Community Tonight, Newham Council passed the motion to recognise January as Tamil Heritage Month in Newham — an important and historic moment for our borough, particularly for Newham’s long-established Tamil community. Special credit must go to Councillor Arshan Baskaran and Councillor Anand Kumar, our two Tamil councillors, who brought this motion forward and ensured the voices and aspirations of the Tamil community were heard in the Council Chamber. Newham Independents and the Green Group came together to bring forward and support this important motion, demonstrating what can be achieved when councillors work together for our communities. The motion will recognise Tamil Heritage Month and Thai Pongal within the Council’s annual programme and calls for the Council to work with Tamil organisations, temples, supplementary schools and businesses to develop a programme for January 2027. Newham is a vibrant and diverse borough, and our Tamil community has contributed enormously to its cultural, economic and civic life for generations. For many in the Tamil community, this recognition has been a long-standing aspiration. Tonight, it became a reality. Congratulations to Cllr Arshan Baskaran, Cllr Anand Kumar, the Tamil community and everyone who has worked for this recognition. A huge victory and a night to remember. Tamil Heritage Month is coming to Newham! ❤️ #TamilHeritageMonth #TamilCommunity #ThaiPongal #Newham #NewhamIndependents #GreenGroup #Community #Diversity #TamilHeritage

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🚗 Mayor — when will you deliver your parking pledge? The Mayor promised Newham residents a free first car parking permit and one hour of free parking. These were his own manifesto commitments. So why are residents now being told to wait for a parking review? The Mayor has executive powers. We have seen those powers used for appointments, advisers and neighbourhood leads. But when it comes to delivering a direct promise to Newham residents, suddenly we are told we must wait for another review. Stop kicking the issue into the long grass. Deliver what you promised. Newham Independents campaigned for two hours of free parking, but the Mayor’s one-hour commitment would at least be a start. Residents should not have to wait indefinitely for something they were promised during the election. If the Mayor believes in his manifesto, he should be working to implement it — not using a review as a reason for delay. We will continue to hold the Mayor and his administration to account for the promises they made to Newham residents. Promises must mean something. It’s time to deliver. #Newham #Parking #NewhamResidents #Accountability #NewhamIndependents

🚨 PROPERTY OWNERS – BE AWARE OF SUSPECTED FAKE TENANCY SCAMS A constituent contacted me after returning from holiday to find his property occupied by people he says he had never rented it to. I visited the property personally after he raised the case with me. An occupier, who said she was a single mother living there with eight children, did not open the door but showed what appeared to be a tenancy agreement through the window. The property owner disputes that agreement and says he never granted the occupiers a tenancy. He has now had to take legal action to recover possession of his own property, at considerable cost. This is particularly concerning because this is the third similar case that has come to my attention in my ward within the last 12 months. Once somebody is occupying a property and claiming tenancy rights, the situation can become legally complicated. Property owners should not attempt an unlawful eviction or simply force their way in; the correct legal process must be followed. My constituent has had nowhere to return to while the case is being dealt with and has already faced significant legal costs. I am sharing this video to raise awareness. If you are going away for an extended period, make sure your property is secure, ask someone you trust to check it regularly, and act immediately if you suspect unauthorised occupation or fraudulent documents. These allegations now need to be properly investigated, and where tenancy documents have been forged or properties unlawfully occupied, those responsible should be held accountable through the appropriate legal process. As a councillor, I will continue raising cases brought to me by residents and supporting constituents in navigating the appropriate authorities and legal channels. Protect your property. Stay vigilant. Report suspected fraud. #Newham #PropertyFraud #Housing #FakeTenancy #CommunitySafety #NewhamResidents

Free Imran Khan.

Today I attended a fantastic Peace and Justice conference. Great panel discussions on why austerity is a political choice, followed by some really engaging conversations. And, of course, always a pleasure to hear from Jeremy Corbyn.

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📢 A WIN FOR NEWHAM RESIDENTS — FREE BULKY WASTE COLLECTION IS COMING BACK! I welcome the announcement that from September, Newham residents will be able to receive up to THREE free bulky waste collections per year. For six years, I have consistently campaigned for the return of free bulky waste collections and tougher action against fly-tipping. I made this a clear pledge in my election manifesto and continued raising it when others said it would not make a difference. At one point, I was even blocked by Newham Council’s official social media accounts while persistently tagging the Council and highlighting fly-tipping across our borough. I have faced criticism for repeatedly speaking about this issue — but I refused to give up. So yes, I am proud to take credit for keeping this issue firmly on the agenda. But the real winners are the residents of Newham. This shows what persistent campaigning and pressure can achieve. 💪 Three free collections a year are a very welcome start, but there is still much more to do. We need tougher enforcement against those who deliberately dump waste, better education and greater community responsibility. Taking pride in where we live should be encouraged from an early age — through our schools, Madrasas, Gurdwaras, Temples, Churches and other community organisations. We all want the same thing: cleaner, safer streets and a Newham we can be proud of. I will keep fighting for Newham residents, and I will keep pushing for the changes our communities deserve. Persistent campaigning delivers results. Newham residents are the winners. #FreeBulkyWaste #CleanerNewham #StopFlyTipping #NewhamResidents #NewhamIndependents #CommunityFirst #CleanerStreets

Today I attended a wonderful get-together organised by the Munshiganj-Vikrampur Samiti at East Ham Central Park. It was a pleasure meeting members of the community, enjoying the warm hospitality and spending a lovely afternoon together 💛

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fantastic afternoon with the Smart Project celebrating Pakistan Independence Day. Great conversations, delicious food and a wonderful community atmosphere. Thank you for the thoughtful gift. My morning coffee has a new favourite mug.

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📚 Protect Newham Bookshop – A Valued Community Asset I have written to the Mayor and Newham Council asking them to urgently reconsider the proposed rent increase for Newham Bookshop. The proposal would increase the annual rent from £24,000 to £31,680, with the increase applied retrospectively from September 2023, creating an immediate liability of £23,040. Newham Bookshop has served our community for 48 years. It is far more than just a business — it supports our schools, nurseries and libraries, promotes reading, hosts author events and champions local writers. At a time when independent businesses are already under enormous financial pressure, the Council should be supporting and protecting valued community assets, not putting their future at risk. I am calling on the Mayor and Council to reconsider both the proposed rent increase and, particularly, the retrospective charges. Newham should support its community institutions, not price them out. #SaveNewhamBookshop #NewhamBookshop #SupportLocalBusinesses #SupportIndependentBookshops #Newham #CommunityMatters #ProtectCommunityAssets #ShopLocal #NewhamIndependents #NewhamCouncil #EastHam #SupportLocal #Books #Reading #OurNewham

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Today we had a fantastic litter picking session in Boleyn Ward alongside my fellow councillors and dedicated volunteers from the Newham Independence Party. Keeping our streets clean is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can raise awareness, encourage everyone to dispose of waste responsibly, and educate our children about taking pride in the place we all call home. I would also like to thank the hardworking Newham Council cleansing teams, who work tirelessly every day to keep our borough clean. Your efforts are appreciated. A big thank you to all the volunteers and councillors who gave up their time today to make a positive difference. Small actions, when taken together, create lasting change. Let’s continue working together for a cleaner, greener and prouder Newham. #BoleynWard #Newham #CommunityAction #LitterPicking #KeepNewhamClean #NewhamIndependents #WorkingTogether

Late-night action to understand why fly-tipping is happening under the cover of darkness. The reality is simple: we need to make it easier for residents to dispose of bulky waste legally. Charging £30 for bulky waste collection creates a barrier for many families. Not everyone can afford the fee, and not everyone has access to a vehicle to take unwanted items to the recycling centre. If we are serious about keeping Newham clean, we need to bring back free bulky waste collection alongside stronger enforcement against those who deliberately dump rubbish. Education is equally important. We must raise awareness about environmental crime, the damage fly-tipping causes to our neighbourhoods, and the cost it places on taxpayers. Cleaner streets require a combination of practical support, public education, and firm action against offenders. Together, we can build a cleaner, safer, and greener Newham #Newham #flytipping #Newhamindependents

At 34°C, while many are seeking shelter from the heat, Newham Independents are out in our communities making a difference. Today, our councillors and volunteers have been distributing free bottles of water to residents, bus drivers, taxi and car drivers, delivery workers, frontline staff, and people returning home from work, helping them stay hydrated and safe during this heatwave. Community service isn’t just about making promises—it’s about being present when people need you most. The appreciation and encouragement we’ve received from residents throughout the day has been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who stopped to chat, accepted a bottle of water, and supported this initiative. We will continue to stand with our community, especially during challenging weather, because looking after one another is what Newham is all about. Stay hydrated. Stay safe. Stay cool. #NewhamIndependents #CommunityFirst #Heatwave #Newham #ServingOurCommunity #StayHydrated #WorkingForResidents

Labour has learned no lessons from the 2026 elections. Residents voted to end one-party control, yet Labour continues to use top-down, centralised decision-making. Despite no longer holding an overall majority on the Council, the Labour administration is attempting to extend its control across every part of the borough by appointing Community Neighbourhood Lead Councillors, including in areas where residents elected opposition councillors. That is not how democracy works. Communities deserve leadership that reflects the democratic mandate of local residents, not appointments imposed through executive powers. Strong local democracy is built on consultation, transparency, and respect for election results—not political control. Newham residents voted for change. That democratic choice should be respected. #Newham #Democracy #LocalGovernment #CommunityLeadership #NewhamIndependents #StandUpForDemocracy

Statement from the Newham Independents Party Today we are publishing our official position on the Mayor’s proposed Community Neighbourhood arrangements. We support genuine neighbourhood working, stronger community engagement, and bringing decision-making closer to local communities. However, any new governance model must be democratic, transparent, and respect the mandate given by Newham residents at the ballot box. Our decision not to participate in the current arrangements is based on principle, not politics. We cannot support a process that has been introduced without meaningful cross-party consultation, proper constitutional scrutiny, or respect for the democratic choices made by residents. This is not a boycott of residents. We will continue to represent our communities, fight for local people, and hold the administration to account through the Council’s democratic and constitutional processes. We remain ready to work constructively with all political groups to deliver a neighbourhood model that is fair, inclusive, and reflects the will of the people of Newham. Please read our full statement below. #NewhamIndependents #Newham #Democracy #CommunityNeighbourhoods #Transparency #Accountability #ResidentsFirst #LocalDemocracy #WorkingForNewham

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Newham Independents categorically reject Labour’s neighbourhood model. The people of Newham voted for change. They elected councillors from different political parties to represent their communities. Labour’s attempt to place its own councillors in leadership roles over neighbourhoods where residents chose other representatives shows a disregard for the democratic mandate delivered at the ballot box. This is not partnership. It is political control by another name. We will oppose these proposals through every legitimate democratic and constitutional avenue available. The Newham Independents will not participate in a process that, in our view, undermines local democracy and ignores the clear message voters sent in the 2026 elections. Democracy means respecting the people’s choice—not finding new ways to override it. #Newham