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Waltham Forest Labour and anti-semitism (1)

May 11, 2016 anti-semitism, the Labour Party in Waltham Forest

The Waltham Forest Guardian is reporting that the Labour Party has suspended Walthamstow activist David Watson, with a statement reading: ‘“An individual member of Walthamstow Labour Party has been suspended from the Labour Party pending an investigation by the national party. We condemn anti-Semitism and racism of all kinds but cannot comment further until the Party investigation has concluded.”’  Predictably, Mr. Watson denies any link to anti-semitism, and believes that the charges are wholly without justification (mercifully, he spared us the ‘I’ve been quoted out of context’ routine). (see http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/wfnews/14485879.New_anti_Semitism_row... »

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John Cryer MP’s lacklustre Parliamentary record UPDATED

May 9, 2016 John Cryer MP, Waltham Forest Labour Party

I have periodically joked that, so rarely is John Cryer seen or heard locally, he must love his sleep. Now the website They Work For You provides some hard data to chew upon, and largely confirms my suspicions: Mr. Cryer’s Parliamentary record is indeed lacklustre. The bare bones are as follows. Mr. Cryer, it turns out: ‘Has spoken in 15 debates in the last year — well below average amongst MPs. Has received answers to 4 written questions in the last year — below average amongst MPs. Replied with 2 or 3 weeks to a low number of messages sent via WriteToThem.com during 2014, according to his constituents. Has voted in 65.40 % of votes in this Parliament with this affiliation — below ave... »

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Extremism in Waltham Forest: a quick roundup of the recent lowpoints

April 29, 2016 Martin Esom, Prevent

It has been a busy few months on the extremism front in Waltham Forest, so here is a short roundup of the major stories that have been featured on this blog (links to the full versions are pasted beneath). The material of course largely speaks for itself. One point is important though. LBWF Chief Executive Martin Esom claims some expertise in counter-extremism work, and chairs the London Prevent Board. Perhaps he should spend more time looking at what is right under his nose. January 2015 Investigative reporter Andrew Gilligan recounts the following: ‘Last November, in Leyton, east London, there was a public reading of the creed of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, founder of the ultra-conservative... »

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Academies, George Tomlinson Primary, and LBWF Interim Director of School Standards Rosalind Turner UPDATED

April 24, 2016 Academies, George Tomlinson, LBWF, Waltham Forest Labour Party, Waltham Forest Schools

Earlier this week, a reliable contact in the Town Hall rang me to say that some Labour councillors seemed spooked by the stance being taken by LBWF’s Interim Director of School Standards, Rosalind Turner, and more generally were nervous about what they perceived as the ‘academisation’ of Waltham Forest schools. Indeed, my contact told me, the rumour circulating was that Cabinet member Cllr. Mark Rusling had actually resigned over the issue, before temporarily rescinding his decision because of the scandal enveloping Cllr. Khan (for which see previous posts). A couple of days later, the following rather dramatic statement appeared on the George Tomlinson Primary School website: ‘A note to par... »

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Cllr. Robbins on the Private Eye and Guido Fawkes allegations about Cllr. Ali

April 20, 2016 Cllr. Chris Robbins, Cllr. Liaquat Ali, the Labour Party in Waltham Forest

I reprint below some correspondence that I have had with Cllr. Chris Robins, Leader of LBWF, concerning allegations involving his close colleague Cllr. Liaquat Ali and the latter’s family. Most of Cllr. Robbins’ response to me, it hardly needs saying, is irrelevant, but I am struck by the line about ‘as a matter of routine’ not responding to ‘either publication’. The allegations made are serious ones. Both Guido and Private Eye have substantial readerships, including many influential decision-makers (MPs, civil servants, etc.). In addition, the issue at stake clearly hits a popular nerve. In general, no-one half decent likes the idea of rich individuals exploiting the local housing crisis. M... »

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