Forum Topic

An interesting encounter

Last weekend one of our supporters on the Worton estate in Isleworth had an interesting encounter on the doorstep with one of Labour's prospective candidates (it seems they begin their canvassing six months in advance of the election so that their massive campaign team can get all the way around the ward).After the candidate had introduced herself, the resident told her that he would be voting ICG because he believed we had worked hard in the area.  In response she said some very complimentary things about me personally and acknowledged my work, but stated her view that I could never get anything done because I didn't have "the right contacts".Possibly she was referring to Labour's recent photo opportunity surrounding their 267 "campaign" which came about as a result of the co-operation of Dave Wetzel, of Transport for London.  Mr. Wetzel is a former Labour leader of Hounslow Council and was therefore presumably only too willing to help.She may also have had in mind the decision of Chris Langstaff of Hounslow Homes to respond positively to Labour's mysterious and sudden "petition" for a road crossing on Ivybridge, when he had previously refused an identical request from a resident who had himself petitioned.The young lady is probably too new to the game to have appreciated the significance of her comments.  It is, of course, precisely this "not what you know but who you know" mentality which has corrupted our local politics, and which provided much of the impetus for the formation of the ICG in the first place.Bodies such as TfL, LBH and Hounslow Homes are custodians of public funds.  Their offices are, or are supposed to be, servants of the public.  Their response to a request for action, or for funding, should be on the basis of whether or not the request is reasonable and practical, not on the basis of whom it is who is making the request.We wish to see politics conducted openly and honesty, not through nudges, winks and dodgy handshakes.  Services should be performed according to need and demand, not to try to help candidates of one persuasion or another to gain political advantage. I am determined that if, as is entirely possible, New Labour loses overall control of Hounslow Council next May, this mentality will be purged from our local politics and replaced with one which recognises the need for honest service and transparency in our borough.

Phil Andrews ● 7138d7 Comments

JimWe are cheesed off because it lowers the standard of political debate within the community.  However, Alan should not kid himself that we are upset or alarmed by it from the point of view of its electoral impact.  I don't believe it is possible to overturn a 23-point majority against active sitting councillors by dishonesty alone.  People are just not that stupid.New Labour needs to offer something a bit more than tatty leaflets claiming the credit for the work of residents' groups, or the "we've got members/friends in high places" approach.  The latter seems almost to imply a threat that Isleworth people will get nothing done by officers of the council unless they vote New Labour.  What happens if the council changes hands, as is quite possible?One thing I ought to report at this stage Jim is that recently I have actually been having a lot more success with my casework than I have had for some time, possibly ever.  It is clear to me that there are many officers of the council who resent Labour's relentless political encroachment of the local bureaucracy and who just want the chance to do their job, effectively and impartially.I believe the people "on the inside" to whom the hapless canvasser was referring are a small minority, and we know who most of them are.

Phil Andrews ● 7137d

Whilst I am still only a student of local politics...I have to entirely agree with the sentiments expressed by Paul and Phil.The recent Osterley and Spring Grove Ward Election leaflet..produced and circulated by the Labour Party...and delivered through my letter box...clearly suggested the shady nature of their local operations.  Fancy claiming that they are ..wink wink... better able to represent this Ward with a novice Labour candidate..who had no experience of local issues. Local issues ""WOULD ALL RECEIVE THOROUGH ATTENTION ONLY FROM A LABOUR COUNCILLOR"" Do you mean that only Labour Councillors get co-operation from key people at the Civic Centre and elsewhere. Does a shut out practice exist?Thank goodness Alan and his friends saw their percentage of the O & SP Ward vote drop. No wonder the Community Group are cheesed off about the Labour Party's dealings in the Isleworth Ward..and thank goodness they keep us all informed loud and clear...of the various incidents and encouters.

Jim Lawes ● 7138d

Here is what Alan Sheerins published in his leaflet for the Osterley and Spring Grove by-election."But there always concerns in particular neighbourhoods that I want to talk to residents about and advocate on their behalf. The future of the Gillette site,addressing  the current proposals to overdevelop Brunel University campus,prospects for the Campion House Buildings,improving facilities in Jersey Gardens and Thornbury Playing Fields,local parking hotspots and retaining valuable local shops would all recieve thorough attention only from a Labour Councillor"This to me very much suggests that doors are opened only to Labour Cllrs and shut tight to Cllrs from other groups?

Paul Fisher ● 7138d

On the contrary Alan.  During the recent Osterley & Spring Grove by-election you published a leaflet which stated that only a Labour councillor could get things done for the people of that ward.Your candidate on the Worton doorstep admitted that she believed I worked hard but nevertheless could not achieve the things which she, as a Labour councillor, would.  I am asking you why.

Phil Andrews ● 7138d

Only you can honestly answer that question for yourself.

Alan Sheerins ● 7138d

And why would I, as a non-Labour Party councillor, not be able to do this?

Phil Andrews ● 7138d

It is clear from the comments that the Labour activist was talking about building good working relationships with a wide body of individuals and organisations so that the community would benefit via the work of their Councillors.

Alan Sheerins ● 7138d