![Kay Jordan marched in Hanbury Street, Princelet street on 17 January 2006 [pictured below]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFpkcZgAW1eZKWId6O-xApvo7_zu4rL0QLz_ByB_FHaKbyUkAFfaPT1RdxXqjX-YVvveRu2zdPyr0pXqiFK-0SAjQd5vyTwGgGDnyU600Gk-gu-MueRhRIg_UhFT66fo8gzCl2tM4BX-8/s760/KHOODEELAAR%2521+No+to+Crossrail+Hole%252C+Demo+in+Hanbury%252C+Spelman%252C+Princelet+Streets+and+Brick+Lane+London+E1+17+January+2006.jpeg)
1410 Hrs GMT
London
Friday
30 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
Kevan Collins did not volunteer the info to Tower Hamlets community! The questionable 'referendum' has cost the community a big sum!
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/revolt_over_council_tax_1_978352
Friday, 30 July 2010
Thursday, 29 July 2010
BHANGEELAAR! Review of Kevan Collins, the 'Returning Officer' of Tower Hamlets - Part 1
0020 Hrs GMT
London
Friday
30 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
We are starting this review of Kevan Collins by looking at his claims as made on the Channel 4 'Undercover Boss' programme in the past fortnight.
We shall then assess the claims in the context of the actual behaviour of the 'Democratic Services' in the Council.
[To be continued]
London
Friday
30 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
We are starting this review of Kevan Collins by looking at his claims as made on the Channel 4 'Undercover Boss' programme in the past fortnight.
We shall then assess the claims in the context of the actual behaviour of the 'Democratic Services' in the Council.
[To be continued]
BHANGEELAAR! Campaign against a directly elected mayor in Tower Hamlets is VINDICATED again. We examine Andrew Gilligan [1]
2218 Hrs GMT
London
Thursday
29 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
LEGAL NOTICE:
Any viewer or visitor wishing to cite, quote or publish them must fully acknowledge ALL materials signed and edited here
The item we reproduce below this updater commentary contains the continuation of the falsehood and the contrivance that Andrew Gilligan has been peddling about a directly elected mayor in the name of Tower Hamlets voters.
The point that needs to be made at the outset of course is the one to do with Gilligan's unconcealed obsession with a number of secret or allegedly secret outfits and individuals in Tower Hamlets. This obsession is most likely to boomerang in Mr Gilligan’s face. UNLESS he is very careful with the facts.
What facts are we referring to here?
To begin with, Andrew Gilligan is making the same assumptions that his perceived target, Ken Livingstone has made for years about Tower Hamlets. And it is this: that the timeserving, self-serving careerist opportunist and corrupting cabals constitute the voice of democracy in the population in the over-hyped borough. [On the over-hyped state, we shall comment later in a detailed series starting in August 2010]
The ignorance that has been being peddled via Andrew Gilligan – who CANNOT BE the source or sources that are feeding him, ON THE FACTS OF HIS publication so far – will not serve the cause of universally recognisable and objectively desirable democracy and audit in the interest of ordinary people in Tower Hamlets or in any comparable location or area elsewhere in England.
So what is the point of the Andrew Gilligan publication around the ‘mayor’ thing?
The point is manifestly one that Gilligan has been unwisely engaged in seeking to make: that Ken Livingstone is mixed up with a not acceptable bunch and Gilligan is dedicated to doing everything to magnify that alleged link to ensure that Livingstone does not get to be anywhere near replacing Boris Johnson or anyone else and return to the ‘City hall’ in London SE1.
Unfortunately, Gilligan has come across as lacking credible evidence!
And what a letdown that is!
After all, the Bhangeelaar! Campaign is AGAINST Ken Livingstone's careerists egotistic opportunistic cabal career!
So we would not have said anything that would give Livingstone any comfort whatever.
The following texts have been taken from the London DAILY TELEGRAPH media group website at 2150 Hrs GMT appx, Thursday 29 July 2010:
How much humiliation can a man take? I ask because last night it became clear that yet a third attempt by Lutfur Rahman, the fundamentalist-linked councillor who is seeking to become Labour’s candidate for the powerful directly-elected mayoralty of Tower Hamlets, had been crushed.
Lutfur’s powerful friends – of whom more later – have been angling to get him back on the mayoral shortlist after he was twice excluded by the party amid deep concerns about his links with the fundamentalist Islamic Forum of Europe.
Yesterday, Lutfur even held a press conference and issued a suspiciously expensive-looking glossy leaflet to announce the joyous news that he’d made it back on to the list. Oh no, he hadn’t. Labour spokesmen last night insisted that the shortlist remains as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be – Lutfur-free.
Lutfur’s and his allies’ absurd manoeuvrings have succeeded only in making him, and the Labour Party, look ridiculous. What next for the great man? Does he stand as an independent? Or does he stand in front of the Town Hall like Bonnie Prince Charlie and proclaim himself the true king of Tower Hamlets?
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Wednesday, 28 July 2010
More contextual news about the stupidity of backing 'executive mayor' in an English local council
2235 [2220] Hrs GMT
London
Wednesday
28 July 2010
The URL below carries the texts we have shown on this BHANGEELAAR! No to directly elected mayor in Tower Hamlets campaign web page
http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/free-press-news/MAYOR-IN-CRISIS.1354283.jp
Published Date: 16 February 2006
MAYOR IN CRISIS
MEMBERS of elected mayor Martin Winter's own party have called for his resignation - but have been ordered to stay silent until after May's local elections.
The sensational split, leaked to the Free Press, happened at an emergency meeting of Doncaster Council's Labour group called in the wake of the resignations of deputy mayor Aidan Rave and John Mounsey in protest over Mr Winter's leadership style.
At the meeting, on Tuesday night, the mayor faced renewed calls to resign from his own ranks and his seven remaining cabinet members were branded "spineless", the Free Press understands.
But as he left the meeting, a smiling Mr Winter told reporters: "It was a very enjoyable meeting. I'm still the mayor. I will be the mayor for the remainder of this term."
It has emerged that all nine members of Mr Winter's cabinet signed a letter of resignation on Monday morning, but only councillors Rave and Mounsey carried out their threat.
A Labour source revealed that each of the remaining cabinet members was asked at Tuesday's meeting why they had signed the resignation letter and why they had then backed down. None gave a reply.
And at least two Labour councillors are understood to have called for Mr Winter to resign at the meeting.
But our source said that regional party officer Nan Sloane called for members to unite behind Mr Winter at the meeting. She told members that she will meet with the mayor, cabinet and backbenchers to discuss the situation further after the elections, it is believed.
Labour backbenchers said yesterday morning that they had been told not to talk to the press.
Announcing his resignation on Monday, Coun Rave - Martin Winter's right-hand man for seven years - said: "I have tendered my resignation on the basis that my values and the values of the elected mayor are no longer coterminous.
"I do not believe that my position in the cabinet is tenable any longer."
He added: "However, I believe that some things are more important than simply the position you hold and some values are non-negotiable."
Asked what values he was referring to, Coun Rave said: "My values are about honesty, integrity, accountability. Those are the values I try to live by."
Coun Mounsey, who served nine months as transport spokesman, said: "I find my position untenable in the way that the leadership and the mayor are taking the town forward."
He added: "I think this town deserves people of principle, people that are honest, open and transparent and I believe the people should be told exactly what the situation is on the whole raft of issues in DMBC."
Both Coun Rave and Coun Mounsey stressed that their decisions to resign had nothing to do with the two police inquiries in which Mr Winter is involved - one into the Glass Park project and the other into election expenses.
The high-profile resignations have caused a rift in the Doncaster Labour Party. The remaining cabinet members, Doncaster's four MPs and regional party officials have all publicly backed Mr Winter, but there is growing unrest among the party's backbenchers.
Couns Rave and Mounsey have been praised for their honour and integrity by colleagues across the political spectrum, and the council's four opposition parties are now united in calling for the mayor to resign.
Liberal Democrat leader Patrick Wilson said: "I think the mayor should now resign because he hasn't got the support of his own close colleagues."
Conservative leader Barbara Hoyle, whose group called for the mayor to resign yesterday, said: "To lose people of the integrity of Aidan Rave and John Mounsey, it is certainly looking serious. It has weakened the mayor's leadership and made his position untenable."
Independent group deputy leader Tony Brown said: "As far as we are concerned, we stand by both Coun Rave and Coun Mounsey and say they need to be commended for standing by their principles. It is time Martin Winter resigned."
Community Group leader Martin Williams said: "In my view the mayor's position is now untenable. Aidan Rave was well-respected and well-liked.
"I think the honourable thing for Martin Winter to do is to fall on his sword instead of other people having to do it for him."
Aidan Rave had been Martin Winter's right-hand man since 1999, first as deputy council leader and, since 2002, as deputy mayor.
In a written statement issued via a press officer, Martin Winter said: "Aidan has been a valuable member of the council's executive for the past five years and also my deputy during this time.
"I am sure he will continue to work hard for his constituents and the Labour Party, continuing to play a role in delivering Doncaster's newfound success."
A Labour Party spokesman said: "We are sorry to hear of the resignations from the cabinet, but pleased that seven of the cabinet members have publicly supported the elected mayor."
And the remaining cabinet members issued a statement on Tuesday through Ian Spowart, the mayor's political assistant. It claimed that "even the most cynical people" could see that Doncaster had made rapid progress during five years of the mayor and cabinet system.
It added: "The mayor has selected his cabinet from within the elected Labour councillors and the members of the cabinet continue to give Mayor Winter their full support."
The Free Press contacted each cabinet member separately for their individual views.
Coun Tony Sockett (business and commerce) said: "It is a sad day in Doncaster politics, but I am hoping it is a day we can recover from."
He added: "I have the greatest respect for Aidan Rave. I was delighted when he took the step forward to put himself up for the Doncaster North parliamentary seat and I think he is still a young man with a great political future."
And Coun John Hardy (older people) said: "Naturally I am disappointed that they have taken that course of action. They have clearly got their reasons."
Bill Mordue (Neighbourhoods) said his colleagues' resignation was "their perogative". He added: "I am personally just doing my job, working to the best of my ability to move Doncaster forward."
Their four colleagues were unavailable for comment.
Doncaster's four MPs failed to respond to phone calls from the Free Press, but issued a joint statement which said: "We hope that Aidan Rave's decision to step down as deputy mayor will not hinder the important work Doncaster's elected Labour mayor Martin Winter and Labour councillors are doing for Doncaster.
"The improvements that have happened over the last few years in Doncaster have not been by accident but because of the hard work of a Labour mayor, councillors and MPs working together. It is important that all Labour representatives work to continue this progress."
As we went to press, no appointments had been made to the posts of deputy mayor or cabinet member for transport.
London
Wednesday
28 July 2010
The URL below carries the texts we have shown on this BHANGEELAAR! No to directly elected mayor in Tower Hamlets campaign web page
http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/free-press-news/MAYOR-IN-CRISIS.1354283.jp
Published Date: 16 February 2006
MAYOR IN CRISIS
MEMBERS of elected mayor Martin Winter's own party have called for his resignation - but have been ordered to stay silent until after May's local elections.
The sensational split, leaked to the Free Press, happened at an emergency meeting of Doncaster Council's Labour group called in the wake of the resignations of deputy mayor Aidan Rave and John Mounsey in protest over Mr Winter's leadership style.
At the meeting, on Tuesday night, the mayor faced renewed calls to resign from his own ranks and his seven remaining cabinet members were branded "spineless", the Free Press understands.
But as he left the meeting, a smiling Mr Winter told reporters: "It was a very enjoyable meeting. I'm still the mayor. I will be the mayor for the remainder of this term."
It has emerged that all nine members of Mr Winter's cabinet signed a letter of resignation on Monday morning, but only councillors Rave and Mounsey carried out their threat.
A Labour source revealed that each of the remaining cabinet members was asked at Tuesday's meeting why they had signed the resignation letter and why they had then backed down. None gave a reply.
And at least two Labour councillors are understood to have called for Mr Winter to resign at the meeting.
But our source said that regional party officer Nan Sloane called for members to unite behind Mr Winter at the meeting. She told members that she will meet with the mayor, cabinet and backbenchers to discuss the situation further after the elections, it is believed.
Labour backbenchers said yesterday morning that they had been told not to talk to the press.
Announcing his resignation on Monday, Coun Rave - Martin Winter's right-hand man for seven years - said: "I have tendered my resignation on the basis that my values and the values of the elected mayor are no longer coterminous.
"I do not believe that my position in the cabinet is tenable any longer."
He added: "However, I believe that some things are more important than simply the position you hold and some values are non-negotiable."
Asked what values he was referring to, Coun Rave said: "My values are about honesty, integrity, accountability. Those are the values I try to live by."
Coun Mounsey, who served nine months as transport spokesman, said: "I find my position untenable in the way that the leadership and the mayor are taking the town forward."
He added: "I think this town deserves people of principle, people that are honest, open and transparent and I believe the people should be told exactly what the situation is on the whole raft of issues in DMBC."
Both Coun Rave and Coun Mounsey stressed that their decisions to resign had nothing to do with the two police inquiries in which Mr Winter is involved - one into the Glass Park project and the other into election expenses.
The high-profile resignations have caused a rift in the Doncaster Labour Party. The remaining cabinet members, Doncaster's four MPs and regional party officials have all publicly backed Mr Winter, but there is growing unrest among the party's backbenchers.
Couns Rave and Mounsey have been praised for their honour and integrity by colleagues across the political spectrum, and the council's four opposition parties are now united in calling for the mayor to resign.
Liberal Democrat leader Patrick Wilson said: "I think the mayor should now resign because he hasn't got the support of his own close colleagues."
Conservative leader Barbara Hoyle, whose group called for the mayor to resign yesterday, said: "To lose people of the integrity of Aidan Rave and John Mounsey, it is certainly looking serious. It has weakened the mayor's leadership and made his position untenable."
Independent group deputy leader Tony Brown said: "As far as we are concerned, we stand by both Coun Rave and Coun Mounsey and say they need to be commended for standing by their principles. It is time Martin Winter resigned."
Community Group leader Martin Williams said: "In my view the mayor's position is now untenable. Aidan Rave was well-respected and well-liked.
"I think the honourable thing for Martin Winter to do is to fall on his sword instead of other people having to do it for him."
Aidan Rave had been Martin Winter's right-hand man since 1999, first as deputy council leader and, since 2002, as deputy mayor.
In a written statement issued via a press officer, Martin Winter said: "Aidan has been a valuable member of the council's executive for the past five years and also my deputy during this time.
"I am sure he will continue to work hard for his constituents and the Labour Party, continuing to play a role in delivering Doncaster's newfound success."
A Labour Party spokesman said: "We are sorry to hear of the resignations from the cabinet, but pleased that seven of the cabinet members have publicly supported the elected mayor."
And the remaining cabinet members issued a statement on Tuesday through Ian Spowart, the mayor's political assistant. It claimed that "even the most cynical people" could see that Doncaster had made rapid progress during five years of the mayor and cabinet system.
It added: "The mayor has selected his cabinet from within the elected Labour councillors and the members of the cabinet continue to give Mayor Winter their full support."
The Free Press contacted each cabinet member separately for their individual views.
Coun Tony Sockett (business and commerce) said: "It is a sad day in Doncaster politics, but I am hoping it is a day we can recover from."
He added: "I have the greatest respect for Aidan Rave. I was delighted when he took the step forward to put himself up for the Doncaster North parliamentary seat and I think he is still a young man with a great political future."
And Coun John Hardy (older people) said: "Naturally I am disappointed that they have taken that course of action. They have clearly got their reasons."
Bill Mordue (Neighbourhoods) said his colleagues' resignation was "their perogative". He added: "I am personally just doing my job, working to the best of my ability to move Doncaster forward."
Their four colleagues were unavailable for comment.
Doncaster's four MPs failed to respond to phone calls from the Free Press, but issued a joint statement which said: "We hope that Aidan Rave's decision to step down as deputy mayor will not hinder the important work Doncaster's elected Labour mayor Martin Winter and Labour councillors are doing for Doncaster.
"The improvements that have happened over the last few years in Doncaster have not been by accident but because of the hard work of a Labour mayor, councillors and MPs working together. It is important that all Labour representatives work to continue this progress."
As we went to press, no appointments had been made to the posts of deputy mayor or cabinet member for transport.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Exposing the lies that Ken Livingstone peddled on 6 February 2010 at the Brady Centre, Hanbury Street London E1...
No to executive mayor
1055 Hrs GMT
London Tuesday
27 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
a BHANGEELAAR! report
Exposing the lies that Ken Livingstone peddled on 6 February 2010 at the Brady Centre, Hanbury Street London E1 when Livingstone claimed that a directly elected mayor would solve the problems that had existed in the Tower Hamlets Council.
Here we list the various ‘solutions’ that Livingstone's ‘friend’ and long time recipient of Livingstone's ‘endorsement’, Lewisham mayor Steve Bullock, has been foisting upon the people of Lewisham.
Bullock has been openly abusing people for demanding a stop to Bullock’s CUTS programme in Lewisham,
The following list of recent news items [as published by the ‘South London Press’] gives a clear idea of what horrors will be visited on Tower Hamlets if a similarly contemptible 'power' is allowed to be ‘exerted’ by an individual from an office of ‘directly elected mayor’ that they would hold in the name of the people of Tower Hamlets.
1055 Hrs GMT
London Tuesday
27 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
a BHANGEELAAR! report
Exposing the lies that Ken Livingstone peddled on 6 February 2010 at the Brady Centre, Hanbury Street London E1 when Livingstone claimed that a directly elected mayor would solve the problems that had existed in the Tower Hamlets Council.
Here we list the various ‘solutions’ that Livingstone's ‘friend’ and long time recipient of Livingstone's ‘endorsement’, Lewisham mayor Steve Bullock, has been foisting upon the people of Lewisham.
Bullock has been openly abusing people for demanding a stop to Bullock’s CUTS programme in Lewisham,
The following list of recent news items [as published by the ‘South London Press’] gives a clear idea of what horrors will be visited on Tower Hamlets if a similarly contemptible 'power' is allowed to be ‘exerted’ by an individual from an office of ‘directly elected mayor’ that they would hold in the name of the people of Tower Hamlets.
Monday, 26 July 2010
BHANGEELAAR! Noting the foul-mouthed behaviour of Ken Livingstone’s 'friend' and 'mayor-model' Steve Bullock in Lewisham!
BHANGEELAAR! Noting the foul-mouthed behaviour of Ken Livingstone’s 'friend' and 'mayor-model' Steve Bullock in Lewisham!
LEWISHAM: Foul-mouthed mayor tells protestors to 'get real'
3:27pm Thursday 15th July 2010
* By Mark Chandler »
CAMPAIGNERS protesting over cuts to their jobs and services were branded “f**king idiots” and told to “get real” by a mayor last night.
Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock’s foul-mouthed outburst came after he was heckled by protestors at a Mayor and Cabinet meeting in Lewisham Town Hall.
As Sir Steve began talking about cost-cutting for this year he told the meeting: “I can’t say I’m over the moon about this.”
A woman in the audience shouted out: “Don’t do it then.”
The mayor hit back: “Oh, get real.”
To a further call not to close five libraries, Sir Steve muttered: “F**king idiots.”
He then went on to approve a range of £2.75m cuts for this year, following a slash in government funding, which will be implemented provided they are approved at an overview and scrutiny meeting this month.
A range of deeper cuts, including the closure of five libraries, closing at least one early childhood centre and reducing staff across the council’s departments, are also being considered by council officers for implementation over the next three years.
No decision has yet been made on those and residents will be consulted on the proposals before final plans are considered by the mayor in November.
Councillor Paul Maslin said he hoped residents’ opinions would “bring common sense to bear” on the government’s plans to cut public spending by 25 per cent to wipe out the national deficit.
Earlier, members of the NUT and Right to Work campaign had joined others outside to lobby the meeting, calling for the mayor to scrap the plans and oppose the government’s plans.
Asked about his outburst afterwards, Sir Steve said: “I think I may have left the mic on while I was making an aside.”
He added: “I don’t honestly know what planet they’re living on which is probably why I was quite irritated.
“The idea that somehow we in Lewisham Council decide that we won’t make any cuts while the rest of Britain is having its public services reduced by 25 per cent is nonsense.”
Lewisham NUT secretary Martin Powell-Davies said afterwards: “Perhaps the mayor was rattled that, at very short notice, a lobby of 100 trade unionists and campaigners had made clear that local people aren’t going to accept these cuts.
“Perhaps that outburst shows the pressure that a Labour mayor is under.”
LEWISHAM: Foul-mouthed mayor tells protestors to 'get real'
3:27pm Thursday 15th July 2010
* By Mark Chandler »
CAMPAIGNERS protesting over cuts to their jobs and services were branded “f**king idiots” and told to “get real” by a mayor last night.
Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock’s foul-mouthed outburst came after he was heckled by protestors at a Mayor and Cabinet meeting in Lewisham Town Hall.
As Sir Steve began talking about cost-cutting for this year he told the meeting: “I can’t say I’m over the moon about this.”
A woman in the audience shouted out: “Don’t do it then.”
The mayor hit back: “Oh, get real.”
To a further call not to close five libraries, Sir Steve muttered: “F**king idiots.”
He then went on to approve a range of £2.75m cuts for this year, following a slash in government funding, which will be implemented provided they are approved at an overview and scrutiny meeting this month.
A range of deeper cuts, including the closure of five libraries, closing at least one early childhood centre and reducing staff across the council’s departments, are also being considered by council officers for implementation over the next three years.
No decision has yet been made on those and residents will be consulted on the proposals before final plans are considered by the mayor in November.
Councillor Paul Maslin said he hoped residents’ opinions would “bring common sense to bear” on the government’s plans to cut public spending by 25 per cent to wipe out the national deficit.
Earlier, members of the NUT and Right to Work campaign had joined others outside to lobby the meeting, calling for the mayor to scrap the plans and oppose the government’s plans.
Asked about his outburst afterwards, Sir Steve said: “I think I may have left the mic on while I was making an aside.”
He added: “I don’t honestly know what planet they’re living on which is probably why I was quite irritated.
“The idea that somehow we in Lewisham Council decide that we won’t make any cuts while the rest of Britain is having its public services reduced by 25 per cent is nonsense.”
Lewisham NUT secretary Martin Powell-Davies said afterwards: “Perhaps the mayor was rattled that, at very short notice, a lobby of 100 trade unionists and campaigners had made clear that local people aren’t going to accept these cuts.
“Perhaps that outburst shows the pressure that a Labour mayor is under.”
Monday, 19 July 2010
CONTEXTUAL flash back: [BBC] "Labour's Mark Meredith, 43, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and complicity in corruption.."
Mayor bailed in corruption probe
Mark Meredith
Mark Meredith was arrested by police on Friday morning
Final months in power for mayor
Stoke-on-Trent's elected mayor has been arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption.
Labour's Mark Meredith, 43, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and complicity in corruption while in public office.
He was later released on bail to a date in June after being questioned.
It follows the arrest on 27 February of Stoke city councillor Roger Ibbs on suspicion of corruption in public office. He stood down on Monday.
Mr Ibbs had been the group leader of the Conservative and Independent Alliance on the council.
Mr Ibbs, who had also been the council's portfolio holder for education, said his arrest followed a complaint he made to the council.
The decision making of the council continues... and we will continue to deliver services for the people of Stoke-on-Trent
Chris Harman, acting chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent City Council
In a statement, Staffordshire Police said its investigation was launched after the city council referred a matter to officers in December following an internal inquiry.
The police probe is thought to be focusing on council proposals for a leisure centre which led to the authority carrying out a review after the plans were scrapped.
Officers said there had been a need to ask a second man to help them with their inquiries.
They earlier confirmed a man in his 40s was arrested being questioned.
Mark Meredith has been in the post of elected mayor since May 2005.
He was due to travel to Cannes in France next week to attend a regeneration conference on behalf of the council.
A West Midlands Labour Party spokesman said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation; however, we always expect all Labour Party representatives and members to co-operate fully with the police."
In October, voters opted to get rid of the post of elected mayor in Stoke-on-Trent and Mr Meredith is due to stand down in June.
'Not good news'
The council is currently in the process of appointing a new chief executive.
Mark Fisher, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central told BBC News that the arrests were "not good news for the city" but the interim chief executive would be able to "pick up the reigns" of the council.
Stoke-on-Trent South Labour MP Rob Flello declined to comment on the police inquiry.
Chris Harman, acting chief executive, said he wanted to reassure people that its services would be unaffected.
"The main message that I would like to get out is that it's business as usual," he said.
"The decision making of the council continues... and we will continue to deliver services for the people of Stoke-on-Trent."
Mark Meredith
Mark Meredith was arrested by police on Friday morning
Final months in power for mayor
Stoke-on-Trent's elected mayor has been arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption.
Labour's Mark Meredith, 43, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and complicity in corruption while in public office.
He was later released on bail to a date in June after being questioned.
It follows the arrest on 27 February of Stoke city councillor Roger Ibbs on suspicion of corruption in public office. He stood down on Monday.
Mr Ibbs had been the group leader of the Conservative and Independent Alliance on the council.
Mr Ibbs, who had also been the council's portfolio holder for education, said his arrest followed a complaint he made to the council.
The decision making of the council continues... and we will continue to deliver services for the people of Stoke-on-Trent
Chris Harman, acting chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent City Council
In a statement, Staffordshire Police said its investigation was launched after the city council referred a matter to officers in December following an internal inquiry.
The police probe is thought to be focusing on council proposals for a leisure centre which led to the authority carrying out a review after the plans were scrapped.
Officers said there had been a need to ask a second man to help them with their inquiries.
They earlier confirmed a man in his 40s was arrested being questioned.
Mark Meredith has been in the post of elected mayor since May 2005.
He was due to travel to Cannes in France next week to attend a regeneration conference on behalf of the council.
A West Midlands Labour Party spokesman said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation; however, we always expect all Labour Party representatives and members to co-operate fully with the police."
In October, voters opted to get rid of the post of elected mayor in Stoke-on-Trent and Mr Meredith is due to stand down in June.
'Not good news'
The council is currently in the process of appointing a new chief executive.
Mark Fisher, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central told BBC News that the arrests were "not good news for the city" but the interim chief executive would be able to "pick up the reigns" of the council.
Stoke-on-Trent South Labour MP Rob Flello declined to comment on the police inquiry.
Chris Harman, acting chief executive, said he wanted to reassure people that its services would be unaffected.
"The main message that I would like to get out is that it's business as usual," he said.
"The decision making of the council continues... and we will continue to deliver services for the people of Stoke-on-Trent."
BHANGEELAAR! The campaign against the attempt at changing the constitution of the Tower Hamlets Council is VINDICATED YET again!
1610 Hrs GMT
London
Monday
19 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
BHANGEELAAR! The campaign against the attempt at changing the constitution of the Tower Hamlets Council is VINDICATED YET again!
Question: How so?
Answer: As before, the corrupt bureaucracy in and controlling the party that used to be called the Labour Party in the UK has exhibited its banality by publishing a second short list of alleged seekers of the post of mayor at the expense of the people of Tower Hamlets.
The second list has, predictably, created yet another Lilliputian furore while leaving out the real world and most of the real Tower Hamlets people.
The likes of Harriet Hermen and assorted others ‘in the high command’ of the lowest common denominational set up that goes for the former Labour Party have failed to show that they are even familiar with honesty, let alone democracy far less accountability.
Why?
Because the so-called final short list contains elements that simply do not merit inclusion even in that sub-list devised by an even lower regard to ethics than had been seen hitherto!
So we say again: admit your flawed fanaticism and join us in exposing the town clerk Kevan Collins for his collusion with the fraudulence that was involved in the allegedly concluded referendum on 6 May 2010.
How did Kevan Collins fail in his duty as the de facto holder of the post of ‘Returning Officer’?
On the face of it, he may not have been as blatantly callous as had been alleged by George Galloway when he had made the statement against Collins’ then predecessor, Christine Gilbert [06 May 2005].
But Collins has been a failure.
He has failed to monitor the CONDUCT of the campaign over the future constitution of the Borough Council.
[To be continued]
London
Monday
19 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
BHANGEELAAR! The campaign against the attempt at changing the constitution of the Tower Hamlets Council is VINDICATED YET again!
Question: How so?
Answer: As before, the corrupt bureaucracy in and controlling the party that used to be called the Labour Party in the UK has exhibited its banality by publishing a second short list of alleged seekers of the post of mayor at the expense of the people of Tower Hamlets.
The second list has, predictably, created yet another Lilliputian furore while leaving out the real world and most of the real Tower Hamlets people.
The likes of Harriet Hermen and assorted others ‘in the high command’ of the lowest common denominational set up that goes for the former Labour Party have failed to show that they are even familiar with honesty, let alone democracy far less accountability.
Why?
Because the so-called final short list contains elements that simply do not merit inclusion even in that sub-list devised by an even lower regard to ethics than had been seen hitherto!
So we say again: admit your flawed fanaticism and join us in exposing the town clerk Kevan Collins for his collusion with the fraudulence that was involved in the allegedly concluded referendum on 6 May 2010.
How did Kevan Collins fail in his duty as the de facto holder of the post of ‘Returning Officer’?
On the face of it, he may not have been as blatantly callous as had been alleged by George Galloway when he had made the statement against Collins’ then predecessor, Christine Gilbert [06 May 2005].
But Collins has been a failure.
He has failed to monitor the CONDUCT of the campaign over the future constitution of the Borough Council.
[To be continued]
Sunday, 18 July 2010
The BHANGEELAAR! Campaign has been vindicated. Again. This is based on the latest bragging by the Guardian's blogger & his opposite on D Telegraph
2055 Hrs GMT
London
Sunday
18 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
The BHANGEELAAR! Campaign has been vindicated. Again. This is based on the latest bragging by the Guardian's blogger and the counterpart on the Daily Telegraph
A 'directly elected' ' executive' 'mayor' at the expense of democratic accountability in Tower Hamlets, is being promoted by the two ‘blogger’ representing the agendas associated with ken Livingstone [Guardian - Dave Hill] and the [London] incumbent Boris Johnson [Daily Telegraph - Andrew Gilligan].
Gilligan of course has an additional role; if the ‘comments’ attached to his blog is any guide. These comments so far are dedicated to represent the very clear interests opposing Muslims!
How Mr Gilligan has achieved that position is a subject warranting a through study in its own ‘wrongs’.
That study may take place later.
But for the records, we reproduce both Dave Hill’s ‘update’ and Andrew Gilligan’s diversionary item.
First DAVE Hill
Tower Hamlets: Labour produces its intriguing new mayoral shortlist
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Tweet this (11)
Comments (4)
I brought you up to speed last week about Labour's decision to re-run its process for shortlisting contenders to become the first executive mayor of Tower Hamlets. The names on that new shortlist emerged yesterday afternoon.
The original had contained three: the borough's former leader and current London assembly member John Biggs, and two councillors: Shiria Khatun and Sirajul Islam. Both Biggs and Khatun have made it on to the second shortlist too, while Islam has not. They've been joined by three others, all of whom were unsuccessful last time. They are health service manager Rosna Mortuza, the Council's present leader Helal Abbas and another previous leader, Michael Keith.
If the new shortlist doesn't provoke further accusations of foul play, this won't be Tower Hamlets. Lutfur Rahman, the leader who preceded Abbas, has again been excluded, and it will be interesting to see how he responds to this second rebuff given that it was his complaint that led to the re-run in the first place. I'd suggest that a public expression of shocked surprise is not a viable option.
The selection of Michael Keith is fascinating because he led a campaign against the borough's adopting a mayoral system in the first place on the grounds that it would create division in the community (this view inspired an unfriendly response from a Mr Ken Livingstone, with unfortunate consequences for the latter).
The inclusion of Abbas suggests the battle could now be closer than some observers had predicted it would have been. Biggs had been considered a strong favourite, but Abbas and indeed Keith have, like him, leadership experience. That is not to discount the chances of the two women in the race. Who knows which way this contest will turn out?
I've previously spoken to two of the five on the new shortlist about their view of the borough and how they'd go about being its mayor - Biggs and Mortuza. I would mind carrying interviews with the other three either, but with voting to take place on 31 July, I'm not sure if there's time. We'll see.
Footnote: The latest development in the Labour selection story has, as I mentioned last week, left me with an email interview with Sirajul Islam which has now become marginal to the story due to his failure to be included on the new shortlist. However, I've decided to publish it below. He may no longer be a mayoral contender but Islam remains a Tower Hamlets councillor and his views are worth reading.
Dave Hill: Does Tower Hamlets need an executive mayor and why?
Sirajul Islam: The Referendum on Executive Mayor indicates that the people of Tower Hamlets felt the need for an Executive Mayor, although their decision appears to have been influenced by the change in the neighbouring boroughs such as Newham, Lewisham and Hackney. Change is constant and the people have the right to choose. They have chosen to have an elected Mayor believing that the new system will make the Mayor directly accountable to the public and this will ensure quality leadership that will address some historical problems in the borough. Tower Hamlets has underwent numerous experiments under different regimes and the Executive Mayor will be responsible for delivering coherent services to meet the local demand.
DH: How would you describe Tower Hamlets to someone who doesn't know the borough?
SI: Tower Hamlets is racially diverse and culturally picturesque. It is a vibrant borough that has historically been a zone of transition, providing shelters to peoples from different parts of world. In particular, (the French) Huguenots and (European) Jews immigrated to escaped religious persecution, Irish immigrated to flee from the Potato Famine and, after the second world war, artisans from the former British colonies such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan immigrated to fill the shortage in workforce. Recently, people from Somali and Eastern European countries have added to the local social composition. They all have made distinct contributions to socio-economy of Tower Hamlets, which is now a vibrant multicultural borough and people are proud of this diversity. Economically the borough is divided into two nations – Canary Wharf in the south with iconic office and apartment buildings represent financial capital of Europe and council blocks and corner shops in the northern part are the legacy of the poverty-stricken East End. Tower Hamlets has all the inherent inner city characteristics where dreams and despair coexist.
DH: What are the main issues facing the Council and how would, as Mayor, try to tackle them?
SI: Issues are multidimensional, ranging from homelessness to antisocial behaviour, but housing shortage appears to be the root cause of other issues. For instance – overcrowding has direct impact on education, health and general wellbeing of a family. It is evident in Tower Hamlets that young people often loiter on and around council estates and street corners, which leads to antisocial behaviour. This is because they do not have adequate accommodation at home. This also affects their performance at school and attainment at the end of their secondary education. Underachievement often leads to unemployment and long-term disengagement, which is a vicious cycle and it is difficult to come out from such an entrapment. It will be a priority for the council to formulate a policy that will redress the housing and other interrelated issues. It would be absolutely necessary to improve the standard of education and training provision, maximise employment and opportunities and combat antisocial behaviour.
DH: Tower Hamlets has become known for political in-fighting, factions and extremism. Is that fair and how would you prevent it from continuing?
SI: Tower Hamlets has been historically the fertile ground for the racist, fascist and extremist, who propagating hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion and so on and thrive on insanity. This is because the East End has been the poorest part of London and the fascists have always in different disguise used different issues at different time to scapegoat the poor and vulnerable community. In the past, it was the Jews and now it is the Muslims. The target and the victims are new, but ideology and menace are the same old abhorrence. Whosoever prescribes to fascist ideology will be publicly rejected. Tower Hamlets has strong community cohesion at grassroots. BNP is a well known racist Party and has caused frenzy in the past and now the English Defence League is lurking in the dark.
Despite the existence of these undesirable elements in society, we have to live together and the people of Tower Hamlets have rejected all forms of extremism time and time again. As a matter of conviction, people of the United Kingdom have wiped out BNP from the political map of the country at the last elections. People of Tower Hamlets do not want any external infiltration; let it be BNP or any neo-fascist gangs, because we do not want to see any replay of the Battle of Cable Street. We will reject any individual or organisation that intends to cause any mishap by pouring wrong information in public domain or provoking the people of Tower Hamlets. We will vehemently advise all interest groups to refrain from labelling Tower Hamlets this or that.
It is a borough with profound diversity and our socio-economic issues are colossal. Let's overcome these issues which are more deep-rooted than what is seen by a naked eye. It must be borne in mind that the people of Tower Hamlets are by and large tenants; they cannot afford to buy their own house nor can they afford to send their children to public school. Life is hard here and the people have become harder – they have learned to resist extremism. The ground reality in Tower Hamlets is unique that would be very difficult, if not implausible, to measure by social indicators.
DH: What particular qualities do you have to offer as a potential mayor?
SI: "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step" and the elected mayoralty in Tower Hamlets is the inception of a long journey that I began in 2001 when I was elected as a councillor for the first time. I have 20 years' experience of community activism, which means I am cognizant with the community aspirations and wishes. I have been a pragmatist, result driven councillor, serving the community actively and representing the people of Bethnal Green South for the past 12 years. Having brought up in a council estate in the borough of Tower Hamlets, I witnessed and experienced the socio-economic transformation and I have profoundly contributed to this change under the Labour Party. I have a vision to entwine this development to give maximum benefit to the people of Tower Hamlets. As a diligent and approachable councillor with practical hands-on experience and vision, I strive to achieve the best result for my constituents.
I believe in 'One Vision One Community' principle, which I will precipitate with confidence and distinct leadership skill. Having been a councillor for the third term, I have gained invaluable decision-making skills and experience with proven track records of both campaigning at the grassroots level, coordinating the boardroom, delegating responsibility, contributing to decision-making process and providing meaningful advice for efficacious resolution. I have gained extensive and in-depth knowledge of the Council services ranging from education, housing, social services, planning, and environment and leisure services.
My council portfolio include Deputy Leader of Tower Hamlets (2006-09), Lead Member for Social Services and Health (2006-09), Chief Whip (2005-06), Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (2009-10) and currently the Lead Member for Regeneration and Employment. As a former Deputy Leader of the Council, I played a significant role in the corporate achievement of the Council. During that time, as part of the comprehensive assessment regime, the Council was graded as a four stars authority. As Deputy Leader of the Council, I managed a diverse portfolio of Council Services which included Equality, Workforce to Reflect the Community, Customer Access, Housing, Communication and Consultation and Involvement. As Deputy Leader I was responsible for implementing and overseeing the Council's award winning Women in to Public Life Project.
I have attained experience on policies and standards; evaluating performance, outcomes and outputs of policy implementation. During the era of my Cabinet Lead for the Social Services, the department achieved top performing 3 stars rating for the Tower Hamlets Council.
Outside the council, I am committed to representing my local groups and I was the former Chairperson of Holy Trinity and Bethnal Green South Ward, Vice Chairperson of TH Local Government Committee and Member of National Parliamentary Panel (NPP).
During 2009-10, I was Labour Group's Policy and Campaigns Officer. I wrote the 2010 local government election campaign strategy for the Tower hamlets labour Party. Through political leadership I was able to deal with Social Services budget difficulties in 2002. I was able to take on this challenge and transform the service to being the best in this country. I delivered the awards winning culturally appropriate Sonali Gardens Extra-Care Sheltered Accommodation and Day Centre for the elderly people of Tower Hamlets. I pioneered the Multi-faith Burial Subsidy Scheme.
In Tower Hamlets, there are 51 elected councillors, of whom 41 are Labour, and they all have brought wealth of diverse experience with them. It will be vital to ensure the practice of democracy is maximised by having the already elected councillors in key positions. Policy formulation and execution require dedicated team efforts; let it be a prime ministerial or presidential cabinet, although I will prefer to have a prime ministerial prototype so that the decision-making process will have wider and collective participation. It will be crucial for any executive mayor to empower the elected councillors with well-defined portfolio to remove management inertia and make the council services competitive and value for money by achieving effective and efficient result. I will ensure the council is accountable and transparent – every penny will be spent wisely. I will provide strategic vision and competent political leadership.
My thanks again to Councillor Islam.
Andrew Gilligan's London:
Fundamentalist-linked councillor stuffed again
By Andrew Gilligan Politics Last updated: July 18th, 2010
13 Comments Comment on this article
Lutfur Rahman, the fundamentalist-linked Labour councillor, has again been barred by the Labour Party from the shortlist for the Tower Hamlets mayoralty – even though it was his threat of legal action which prompted them to re-run the shortlisting process in the first place.
In the revised shortlist drawn up last night, members will now choose between Helal Abbas, Rahman’s successor as Tower Hamlets council leader, John Biggs, the deputy leader of the London Assembly Labour group, Michael Keith, another former Tower Hamlets council leader, a TH councillor, Shiria Khatun, and another woman, Rosna Mortuza.
Cllr Rahman achieved the leadership of Tower Hamlets council in 2008 with the help of a fundamentalist group, the Islamic Forum of Europe, which lobbied and pressured councillors on his part. Under his leadership, the council showed clear signs of coming under Islamic fundamentalist influence.
My exposure of this in the Telegraph and a Channel 4 documentary appears to have been fatal to Cllr Rahman’s political career. The last straw was probably his using a solicitor linked to the pro-terrorist group al-Muhajiroun to make his legal threat!
The interesting question now is whether Lutfur will stand as an independent, or for George Galloway’s Respect party. He does have some rich backers – local businessmen who gave him a celebration meal when the original shortlist was overturned – and he does have a vote-bank in his own neighbourhood; but the odds must be against him winning the mayoralty of the entire borough from such a position.
Tags: fundamentalism, islamic forum of europe, lutfur rahman
London
Sunday
18 July 2010
Editor © Muhammad Haque
The BHANGEELAAR! Campaign has been vindicated. Again. This is based on the latest bragging by the Guardian's blogger and the counterpart on the Daily Telegraph
A 'directly elected' ' executive' 'mayor' at the expense of democratic accountability in Tower Hamlets, is being promoted by the two ‘blogger’ representing the agendas associated with ken Livingstone [Guardian - Dave Hill] and the [London] incumbent Boris Johnson [Daily Telegraph - Andrew Gilligan].
Gilligan of course has an additional role; if the ‘comments’ attached to his blog is any guide. These comments so far are dedicated to represent the very clear interests opposing Muslims!
How Mr Gilligan has achieved that position is a subject warranting a through study in its own ‘wrongs’.
That study may take place later.
But for the records, we reproduce both Dave Hill’s ‘update’ and Andrew Gilligan’s diversionary item.
First DAVE Hill
Tower Hamlets: Labour produces its intriguing new mayoral shortlist
(1)
Tweet this (11)
Comments (4)
I brought you up to speed last week about Labour's decision to re-run its process for shortlisting contenders to become the first executive mayor of Tower Hamlets. The names on that new shortlist emerged yesterday afternoon.
The original had contained three: the borough's former leader and current London assembly member John Biggs, and two councillors: Shiria Khatun and Sirajul Islam. Both Biggs and Khatun have made it on to the second shortlist too, while Islam has not. They've been joined by three others, all of whom were unsuccessful last time. They are health service manager Rosna Mortuza, the Council's present leader Helal Abbas and another previous leader, Michael Keith.
If the new shortlist doesn't provoke further accusations of foul play, this won't be Tower Hamlets. Lutfur Rahman, the leader who preceded Abbas, has again been excluded, and it will be interesting to see how he responds to this second rebuff given that it was his complaint that led to the re-run in the first place. I'd suggest that a public expression of shocked surprise is not a viable option.
The selection of Michael Keith is fascinating because he led a campaign against the borough's adopting a mayoral system in the first place on the grounds that it would create division in the community (this view inspired an unfriendly response from a Mr Ken Livingstone, with unfortunate consequences for the latter).
The inclusion of Abbas suggests the battle could now be closer than some observers had predicted it would have been. Biggs had been considered a strong favourite, but Abbas and indeed Keith have, like him, leadership experience. That is not to discount the chances of the two women in the race. Who knows which way this contest will turn out?
I've previously spoken to two of the five on the new shortlist about their view of the borough and how they'd go about being its mayor - Biggs and Mortuza. I would mind carrying interviews with the other three either, but with voting to take place on 31 July, I'm not sure if there's time. We'll see.
Footnote: The latest development in the Labour selection story has, as I mentioned last week, left me with an email interview with Sirajul Islam which has now become marginal to the story due to his failure to be included on the new shortlist. However, I've decided to publish it below. He may no longer be a mayoral contender but Islam remains a Tower Hamlets councillor and his views are worth reading.
Dave Hill: Does Tower Hamlets need an executive mayor and why?
Sirajul Islam: The Referendum on Executive Mayor indicates that the people of Tower Hamlets felt the need for an Executive Mayor, although their decision appears to have been influenced by the change in the neighbouring boroughs such as Newham, Lewisham and Hackney. Change is constant and the people have the right to choose. They have chosen to have an elected Mayor believing that the new system will make the Mayor directly accountable to the public and this will ensure quality leadership that will address some historical problems in the borough. Tower Hamlets has underwent numerous experiments under different regimes and the Executive Mayor will be responsible for delivering coherent services to meet the local demand.
DH: How would you describe Tower Hamlets to someone who doesn't know the borough?
SI: Tower Hamlets is racially diverse and culturally picturesque. It is a vibrant borough that has historically been a zone of transition, providing shelters to peoples from different parts of world. In particular, (the French) Huguenots and (European) Jews immigrated to escaped religious persecution, Irish immigrated to flee from the Potato Famine and, after the second world war, artisans from the former British colonies such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan immigrated to fill the shortage in workforce. Recently, people from Somali and Eastern European countries have added to the local social composition. They all have made distinct contributions to socio-economy of Tower Hamlets, which is now a vibrant multicultural borough and people are proud of this diversity. Economically the borough is divided into two nations – Canary Wharf in the south with iconic office and apartment buildings represent financial capital of Europe and council blocks and corner shops in the northern part are the legacy of the poverty-stricken East End. Tower Hamlets has all the inherent inner city characteristics where dreams and despair coexist.
DH: What are the main issues facing the Council and how would, as Mayor, try to tackle them?
SI: Issues are multidimensional, ranging from homelessness to antisocial behaviour, but housing shortage appears to be the root cause of other issues. For instance – overcrowding has direct impact on education, health and general wellbeing of a family. It is evident in Tower Hamlets that young people often loiter on and around council estates and street corners, which leads to antisocial behaviour. This is because they do not have adequate accommodation at home. This also affects their performance at school and attainment at the end of their secondary education. Underachievement often leads to unemployment and long-term disengagement, which is a vicious cycle and it is difficult to come out from such an entrapment. It will be a priority for the council to formulate a policy that will redress the housing and other interrelated issues. It would be absolutely necessary to improve the standard of education and training provision, maximise employment and opportunities and combat antisocial behaviour.
DH: Tower Hamlets has become known for political in-fighting, factions and extremism. Is that fair and how would you prevent it from continuing?
SI: Tower Hamlets has been historically the fertile ground for the racist, fascist and extremist, who propagating hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion and so on and thrive on insanity. This is because the East End has been the poorest part of London and the fascists have always in different disguise used different issues at different time to scapegoat the poor and vulnerable community. In the past, it was the Jews and now it is the Muslims. The target and the victims are new, but ideology and menace are the same old abhorrence. Whosoever prescribes to fascist ideology will be publicly rejected. Tower Hamlets has strong community cohesion at grassroots. BNP is a well known racist Party and has caused frenzy in the past and now the English Defence League is lurking in the dark.
Despite the existence of these undesirable elements in society, we have to live together and the people of Tower Hamlets have rejected all forms of extremism time and time again. As a matter of conviction, people of the United Kingdom have wiped out BNP from the political map of the country at the last elections. People of Tower Hamlets do not want any external infiltration; let it be BNP or any neo-fascist gangs, because we do not want to see any replay of the Battle of Cable Street. We will reject any individual or organisation that intends to cause any mishap by pouring wrong information in public domain or provoking the people of Tower Hamlets. We will vehemently advise all interest groups to refrain from labelling Tower Hamlets this or that.
It is a borough with profound diversity and our socio-economic issues are colossal. Let's overcome these issues which are more deep-rooted than what is seen by a naked eye. It must be borne in mind that the people of Tower Hamlets are by and large tenants; they cannot afford to buy their own house nor can they afford to send their children to public school. Life is hard here and the people have become harder – they have learned to resist extremism. The ground reality in Tower Hamlets is unique that would be very difficult, if not implausible, to measure by social indicators.
DH: What particular qualities do you have to offer as a potential mayor?
SI: "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step" and the elected mayoralty in Tower Hamlets is the inception of a long journey that I began in 2001 when I was elected as a councillor for the first time. I have 20 years' experience of community activism, which means I am cognizant with the community aspirations and wishes. I have been a pragmatist, result driven councillor, serving the community actively and representing the people of Bethnal Green South for the past 12 years. Having brought up in a council estate in the borough of Tower Hamlets, I witnessed and experienced the socio-economic transformation and I have profoundly contributed to this change under the Labour Party. I have a vision to entwine this development to give maximum benefit to the people of Tower Hamlets. As a diligent and approachable councillor with practical hands-on experience and vision, I strive to achieve the best result for my constituents.
I believe in 'One Vision One Community' principle, which I will precipitate with confidence and distinct leadership skill. Having been a councillor for the third term, I have gained invaluable decision-making skills and experience with proven track records of both campaigning at the grassroots level, coordinating the boardroom, delegating responsibility, contributing to decision-making process and providing meaningful advice for efficacious resolution. I have gained extensive and in-depth knowledge of the Council services ranging from education, housing, social services, planning, and environment and leisure services.
My council portfolio include Deputy Leader of Tower Hamlets (2006-09), Lead Member for Social Services and Health (2006-09), Chief Whip (2005-06), Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (2009-10) and currently the Lead Member for Regeneration and Employment. As a former Deputy Leader of the Council, I played a significant role in the corporate achievement of the Council. During that time, as part of the comprehensive assessment regime, the Council was graded as a four stars authority. As Deputy Leader of the Council, I managed a diverse portfolio of Council Services which included Equality, Workforce to Reflect the Community, Customer Access, Housing, Communication and Consultation and Involvement. As Deputy Leader I was responsible for implementing and overseeing the Council's award winning Women in to Public Life Project.
I have attained experience on policies and standards; evaluating performance, outcomes and outputs of policy implementation. During the era of my Cabinet Lead for the Social Services, the department achieved top performing 3 stars rating for the Tower Hamlets Council.
Outside the council, I am committed to representing my local groups and I was the former Chairperson of Holy Trinity and Bethnal Green South Ward, Vice Chairperson of TH Local Government Committee and Member of National Parliamentary Panel (NPP).
During 2009-10, I was Labour Group's Policy and Campaigns Officer. I wrote the 2010 local government election campaign strategy for the Tower hamlets labour Party. Through political leadership I was able to deal with Social Services budget difficulties in 2002. I was able to take on this challenge and transform the service to being the best in this country. I delivered the awards winning culturally appropriate Sonali Gardens Extra-Care Sheltered Accommodation and Day Centre for the elderly people of Tower Hamlets. I pioneered the Multi-faith Burial Subsidy Scheme.
In Tower Hamlets, there are 51 elected councillors, of whom 41 are Labour, and they all have brought wealth of diverse experience with them. It will be vital to ensure the practice of democracy is maximised by having the already elected councillors in key positions. Policy formulation and execution require dedicated team efforts; let it be a prime ministerial or presidential cabinet, although I will prefer to have a prime ministerial prototype so that the decision-making process will have wider and collective participation. It will be crucial for any executive mayor to empower the elected councillors with well-defined portfolio to remove management inertia and make the council services competitive and value for money by achieving effective and efficient result. I will ensure the council is accountable and transparent – every penny will be spent wisely. I will provide strategic vision and competent political leadership.
My thanks again to Councillor Islam.
Andrew Gilligan's London:
Fundamentalist-linked councillor stuffed again
By Andrew Gilligan Politics Last updated: July 18th, 2010
13 Comments Comment on this article
Lutfur Rahman, the fundamentalist-linked Labour councillor, has again been barred by the Labour Party from the shortlist for the Tower Hamlets mayoralty – even though it was his threat of legal action which prompted them to re-run the shortlisting process in the first place.
In the revised shortlist drawn up last night, members will now choose between Helal Abbas, Rahman’s successor as Tower Hamlets council leader, John Biggs, the deputy leader of the London Assembly Labour group, Michael Keith, another former Tower Hamlets council leader, a TH councillor, Shiria Khatun, and another woman, Rosna Mortuza.
Cllr Rahman achieved the leadership of Tower Hamlets council in 2008 with the help of a fundamentalist group, the Islamic Forum of Europe, which lobbied and pressured councillors on his part. Under his leadership, the council showed clear signs of coming under Islamic fundamentalist influence.
My exposure of this in the Telegraph and a Channel 4 documentary appears to have been fatal to Cllr Rahman’s political career. The last straw was probably his using a solicitor linked to the pro-terrorist group al-Muhajiroun to make his legal threat!
The interesting question now is whether Lutfur will stand as an independent, or for George Galloway’s Respect party. He does have some rich backers – local businessmen who gave him a celebration meal when the original shortlist was overturned – and he does have a vote-bank in his own neighbourhood; but the odds must be against him winning the mayoralty of the entire borough from such a position.
Tags: fundamentalism, islamic forum of europe, lutfur rahman
Saturday, 17 July 2010
MUHAMMAD HAQUE commenting on the latest parade by the Labour Party bureaucracy over the future of ‘democracy’ in Tower Hamlets
0010 Hrs GMT
London
Sunday
18 July 2010.
By © Muhammad Haque.
I have told Abbas Uddin that the reason why I EVER supported any call for a NO to the mayor system was based on the evidence that Tower Hamlets people would be ill served by a lessening in democratic say. With the LATEST ‘news’ of the latest twist in the parade that has been going on inside the ‘Labour Party’ bureaucracy over the ‘listing’ and the various sub-listing of an allegedly suitable candidate for ‘the Party’, has again confirmed my view that Tower Hamlets people will SUFFER worse conditions with the introduction of a less democratic system for the local council.
I shall be examining the key evidence here in due course.
[To be continued]
London
Sunday
18 July 2010.
By © Muhammad Haque.
I have told Abbas Uddin that the reason why I EVER supported any call for a NO to the mayor system was based on the evidence that Tower Hamlets people would be ill served by a lessening in democratic say. With the LATEST ‘news’ of the latest twist in the parade that has been going on inside the ‘Labour Party’ bureaucracy over the ‘listing’ and the various sub-listing of an allegedly suitable candidate for ‘the Party’, has again confirmed my view that Tower Hamlets people will SUFFER worse conditions with the introduction of a less democratic system for the local council.
I shall be examining the key evidence here in due course.
[To be continued]
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Aren't people entitled to know what is going on?
Here it is again:
'Government opts in to controversial European Investigation Order
Home Secretary Theresa May announced yesterday that the Government has decided to opt in to negotiations on the controversial European Investigation Order (EIO), which will give foreign police forces the right to request that UK police officers seek out and share evidence on suspects in Britain. May acknowledged that the existing draft EIO was "not perfect" but that by opting in at this stage "we have the opportunity to influence its precise outcome".
Open Europe's Stephen Booth is quoted by PA saying, "Theresa May did her best to push the 'nothing to see here line', but the truth is that the Government cannot guarantee how the final directive will look until after negotiations with other member states and MEPs in the European Parliament." The UK would be powerless to veto the EIO if any unwanted elements are retained or if any unforeseen amendments are added, since the decision will be taken by majority vote.
He added, "The UK's huge DNA database means UK citizens will be subject to much greater exposure to data requests than other EU citizens. The burden placed by the 90-day deadline means that police may have to prioritise requests from other countries over domestic policing priorities. These are hugely important questions, which remain unanswered, regarding safeguards for civil liberties and the new pressures on police resources in the UK."
Independent BBC Open Europe blog
'Government opts in to controversial European Investigation Order
Home Secretary Theresa May announced yesterday that the Government has decided to opt in to negotiations on the controversial European Investigation Order (EIO), which will give foreign police forces the right to request that UK police officers seek out and share evidence on suspects in Britain. May acknowledged that the existing draft EIO was "not perfect" but that by opting in at this stage "we have the opportunity to influence its precise outcome".
Open Europe's Stephen Booth is quoted by PA saying, "Theresa May did her best to push the 'nothing to see here line', but the truth is that the Government cannot guarantee how the final directive will look until after negotiations with other member states and MEPs in the European Parliament." The UK would be powerless to veto the EIO if any unwanted elements are retained or if any unforeseen amendments are added, since the decision will be taken by majority vote.
He added, "The UK's huge DNA database means UK citizens will be subject to much greater exposure to data requests than other EU citizens. The burden placed by the 90-day deadline means that police may have to prioritise requests from other countries over domestic policing priorities. These are hugely important questions, which remain unanswered, regarding safeguards for civil liberties and the new pressures on police resources in the UK."
3 people
...sorry to be pedantic, but might I suggest you really mean ...'even more ridiculous'...
The gentleman you are reporting on is by no means the only addition to this multi-ingredient platter, and to be fair, in terms of humiliating himself and the Labour Party, he could hardly demonstrate greater commitment to the task than the incompetent cretin ejected from Downing Street in May or some of the regular delusional Pro-Labour contributors on these threads?
5 people
2 people
But not as useful.
4 people
Lutfur’s and his allies’ absurd manoeuvrings have succeeded only in making him, and the Labour Party, look ridiculous.
------------------------------------
Exactly WHAT makes Labour look ridiculous about this?
.
2 people
.
Something to do with your disinterest in Society?
5 people
28 people
He wasn't born here, wasn't invited here and he is not needed here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutfur_Rahman
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BTW, do you think that you can write an article on the background of David Cameron's "anger" about the EU not accepting Turkey as a member?
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