Election – Week 5. Entering the final week

We’re a week away from what will be the most important general election of recent decades, and in all the elections I’ve fought never has there been such a strong desire for a change of government. Even among voters who may be still thinking about whether to vote Labour (although I hope they will) there is a feeling that we cannot continue on with the current Tory government.

I’ve taken part in three hustings, all of which were well-attended, lively and with some really tough questions from the audience.

However, what was most striking was how thoughtful they were. In what feels like the increasingly polarised world of politics it was good to take part in a robust debate where views could be shared and discussed in such a respectful way.

Irrespective of who wins in Hammersmith and Chiswick on Thursday, I would like to thank my opponents for what has been a civil and positive campaign.

For those who weren’t able to attend the hustings or who I haven’t had a chance to speak with on the campaign trail, please fill out my short survey and share your views:

https://www.andyslaughter.co.uk/survey

Nationally, the picture has been very different, with the Tory gambling scandal  a reminder of the worst elements of politics.  These fresh allegations are utterly extraordinary. Rishi Sunak promised integrity, professionalism and accountability, instead his weakness means he has overseen the same sleaze and scandal that have come to epitomise the last 14 years of Tory government.

It took Sunak almost two weeks to withdraw support for the candidates caught up in this scandal. This has been a repeat of previous scandals where Sunak continued to support MPs embroiled in controversy up until the public outrage became so great that he was forced to perform a u-turn.

In contrast, Keir Starmer says he will uphold the highest standards in public life, as the public rightly expects from any party hoping to serve.

Your choice in Hammersmith and Chiswick

It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to be able to represent Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush in Parliament, and if re-elected I look forward to also representing Chiswick.

I have lived locally all my life, and I cannot think of a better place to be an MP. Having been first elected in 1986 as a Councillor in West Kensington, I have been involved in representing communities in this area ever since.

I am proud to be a Labour MP, but I have tried to always put my constituents first, even when this clashed with Labour policy. If re-elected I will continue to stand up for residents and will continue to help anyone who asks for my assistance.

I am also lucky to be standing as a Labour candidate alongside so many fantastic candidates in neighbouring constituencies.

I was with Ben Coleman at the weekend, and I cannot think of anyone I would rather see as a Labour MP in Chelsea and Fulham. From his unwavering support for Charing Cross Hospital and his boundless energy when it has come to representing his constituents as a local Councillor I think he will be a wonderful MP and advocate.

I must also give special thanks to Ruth Cadbury, who is standing as the Labour candidate for Brentford and Isleworth and who has been so generous with her time in helping me to learn more about the issues affecting Chiswick.

Rupa Huq standing for Labour in Ealing Central and Acton has been an excellent MP, and if re-elected she will inherit some of the old areas of my constituency such as Wormholt and Old Oak. I know she will be an excellent advocate for those living there.

Finally, a mention for Joe Powell standing in Kensington and Bayswater and for Rachel Blake standing in Cities of London and Westminster. Both are fantastic candidates and I would hope to work with them as part of a future Labour government.

Out and about

While campaigning has taken up most of my time it’s been nice to take part in community events that aren’t related to the election. This week I have:

• Visited the Gunnersbury Park Garden Estate’s first ever ‘Front Garden Awards’ as an opening event in a series of celebrations to mark the centenary of the estate.

• Met volunteers at Crisis UK’s shop in Hammersmith as part of Virgin Media O2’s Take Five program, which allows Virgin employees to take 5 day volunteering days each year.

• Joined the family picnic in Ravenscourt Park as part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of POSK, the Polish social and cutural centre.

• Visited the Gate Arts Centre, an arts and resource centre for people with learning disabilities to meet with service users to learn more about the issues of important to them in this election.

• Met with young people in the constituency to hear about their concerns for the election at an event organised by Young H&F, part of Citizens UK.

• Attended the Chair’s Summer Party at Fulham Palace where I learnt more about their Going Green schools and community project aimed at fostering a deeper connection to nature among urban communities.

• Visited the Jewish Living Experience Exhibition at Chiswick Town Hall, an introduction for schools and community groups to Jewish life, religion and culture.

• Met local businesses at Venture X in White City for a networking event and to hear motivational speaker and local resident Christian Malissard.

This is just a taste of the exciting events happening across Hammersmith and Chiswick this summer.  Lots more to come.  Just the small matter of an election to get through first.