Local Elections
It is now just two weeks until the local elections in London, and I have been out campaigning hard with the excellent Labour candidates in Hammersmith, Shepherds Bush and Chiswick.
I know it’s a point I’ve made before, but local government matters, and it matters who runs our councils. Local councils manage vital services, many of which are a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people, and it does them a disservice if this vote is simply taken as an opportunity to comment on national politics.
Speaking to residents across the constituency, people have serious concerns about the cost of living, public services and a desire for more stable politics at a time when the world seems more uncertain and volatile than ever. Labour councillors in both Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow have built a track record over recent years, and that is something not to ignore.
By contrast, the opposition locally appears fragmented. The Conservatives have struggled to mount a coherent campaign, and on the doorstep there is little sign of strong support for newer or fringe parties.
It is always tempting to look for something new, particularly in uncertain times. But neither Reform on the right nor the Greens on the left offer a convincing or tested approach to running local services at this scale.
In both boroughs, there are experienced Labour local councillors who deal day in, day out with residents’ concerns, and who have helped drive positive changes.
Hammersmith & Fulham continues to maintain one of the lowest levels of council tax in the country, while expanding services. Most notably, it remains the only council in England to have abolished charges for home care, removing a significant cost for elderly and disabled residents.
There has also been a focus on supporting families, including universal free breakfasts for primary school pupils and a wider package of cost-of-living support.
Housing has been a central priority, backed by over £500 million of investment in housing and estates, improving conditions for existing tenants while delivering new affordable homes. At the same time, supported by the recent Renters’ Rights Bill, there will be stronger enforcement in the private rented sector to help raise standards for renters.
On neighbourhood safety, the council’s Law Enforcement Team continues to provide a visible presence across the borough, tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting the police, alongside early intervention through the Gangs, Violence and Exploitation Unit.
The council has introduced a £5 million Green Investment scheme, built one of the densest electric vehicle charging networks in the country, and secured 25 Green Flag awards for parks and open spaces. These are practical improvements that residents see in their local area.
H&F Council has also introduced the Pathway Bond, bringing together over 100 local employers to offer work experience, mentoring and routes into jobs for young people. It directly links investment in the borough to training and employment opportunities for local residents.
In Hounslow there is a similar emphasis on delivery.
On neighbourhood safety, the council has already introduced a new Enforcement Team to tackle anti-social behaviour, supported by increased CCTV coverage and improved street lighting, with further work planned to expand coverage and responsiveness.
The introduction of free bulky waste collection and community skip days has helped to cut fly tipping by making it easier for residents to dispose of waste properly. Alongside this, activity in street cleaning has been doubled.
Housing and regeneration remain central. The Golden Mile programme along the Great West Road is bringing £7.5 billion of investment, with plans for up to 14,000 homes and around 25,000 jobs. This is one of the largest regeneration projects in west London, and work is already underway on key sites.
On the environment, the council has launched a green investment scheme which has already raised around £1 million from residents, funding local climate and sustainability projects, alongside wider work to improve green spaces and support cleaner growth.
At a national level, the Labour Government has taken steps that support local councils in practical ways. The Renters’ Rights reforms will give councils stronger powers to act against rogue landlords and improve standards in the private rented sector, an issue raised regularly by residents. There has also been tougher action on fly-tipping and environmental crime, giving councils clearer backing to enforce against offenders and keep neighbourhoods clean. Alongside this, continued investment in high streets and town centres is helping councils improve local areas and support small businesses.
Local government depends on experience, consistency and a willingness to take responsibility for difficult decisions. In the current climate that kind of stability matters more than ever and I think that Labour in both boroughs has a strong track record.
In the Commons
Much of my recent work has focused on justice issues, as Chair of the Justice Select Committee.
The Committee is currently working on major reports on access to justice, children in custody, probation and clearing the backlog in the civil and criminal courts.
The Commons recently debated knife crime. I asked the Minister for her view on proposals from the Safer Knives Group to restrict the sale of pointed knives and replace them with round-tipped knives, as a way of helping to prevent fatal and life-changing injuries.
In a debate on court and tribunal transcripts, I raised concerns about the lack of transparency and outdated systems, and highlighted the potential role of new technology in improving access.
In a debate on prison officer safety, I supported stronger protections such as body armour while warning that the root causes of violence in prisons, such as overcrowding, drugs and poor conditions, must also be addressed.
Hammersmith Bridge
On Tuesday, the Commons debated Hammersmith Bridge, which gave the MPs representing constituents affected by the current restrictions a chance to share their concerns with the Transport Minister.
The timing of the debate coincided with the government publishing its guidelines for applying to its Structures Fund.
The £1bn Structures Fund, launched by the current government, has been set up to help fund the repair and renewal of crumbling local road infrastructure, including bridges, flyovers, and tunnels across England. It assists local authorities with maintenance costs for projects they cannot afford to fix alone.
The announcement of this potential source of funding for the restoration of the bridge is a step forward, and certainly more movement that we ever saw under the Tory government, who didn’t allow the Hammersmith Bridge taskforce to meet for three years.
There was consensus that we’re now in a position to move forward on the basis of agreed traffic data, updated costings and a potential source of significant funding.
Constituency News
Peabody walkabout
I recently visited the Peabody estate in Hammersmith with local councillor Callum Nimmo to meet residents and representatives from Peabody, including their Chief Executive, to discuss long term improvements to the estate. Among the concerns raised were problems with drainage and guttering, damp and mould, and instances of anti-social behaviour.
It was a useful opportunity for Peabody’s senior management to hear directly from residents about these issues, and I’ll work with Cllr Nimmo to follow up with Peabody to ensure these issues are properly addressed.
Pocklington Lodge
Along with the Leader of H&F Council, Stephen Cowan, I met with residents of Pocklington Lodge following concerns about the proposed sale of the building by the Thomas Pocklington Trust. The lodge provides specialist accommodation for around 50 blind and visually impaired residents, with facilities designed to support independent living.
Residents are understandably anxious about the future of the site, particularly the risk of losing its specialist designation. There is strong local support for them, and the Council is working to ensure they have secure, affordable and appropriate housing.
Lyric theatre funding secured
Hammersmith’s Lyric Theatre has secured more than £500,000 of funding from the Government’s Creative Foundations Fund to upgrade its stage, sound and backstage facilities.
The funding will also support a move to energy-efficient LED lighting, helping modernise the theatre while reducing its environmental impact. It is a welcome boost for one of the borough’s key cultural venues.
Dukes Meadows restoration
At the invitation of the Dukes Meadows Trust, I attended the unveiling of a plaque marking the completion of an eight-year, £280,000 restoration of the Promenade Approach and the park’s historic entrance.
The project, supported by Hounslow Council, local funding and volunteers, has restored the gates, Pump House and surrounding planting. It is a good example of community groups and the council working together to support one of Chiswick’s most valued green spaces.
30th Anniversary of Show Racism the Red Card
Last week I attended an event in Parliament marking the 30th anniversary of Show Racism the Red Card, alongside an exhibition on Brentford FC’s first Black players. The event brought together speakers from the charity and the club to reflect on the progress made over the past three decades and the work that still needs to be done.
It was particularly valuable to hear from Shaka Hislop, co-founder of Show Racism the Red Card, who spoke about the origins of the organisation and its ongoing role in tackling racism through education and sport. The Brentford exhibition also highlighted the contribution of Black players to the club’s history, and the importance of ensuring those stories are recognised.
On Friday, I met with Leiths, the long-established cookery school based in the constituency, following their recent parliamentary reception to discuss their new education programme. The initiative is now available free to state primary schools and aims to ensure children develop practical cooking skills and an understanding of healthy food from an early age.
Building on a pilot involving more than 4,600 pupils, the programme addresses a clear gap in food education and supports wider life skills, with simple, accessible lessons designed to be used in schools across the country.
I attended an “Evening with Hugh Pym”, the BBC’s Health Editor, at St Michael & All Angels Church in Chiswick, the latest fundraiser for The Upper Room, of which I’m patron. Hugh spoke about his experience reporting on major events including the financial crash and the Covid-19 pandemic, and reflected on the current pressures facing the NHS.
Chiswick Repair Cafe
Repair cafes from around the country were in the House of Commons recently. The wonderful, Chiswick Repair Cafe was represented by Marie-Claire Meisels.
The event brought together repair groups to make the case for more ambitious repair and reuse policies, and it was a useful opportunity to discuss how we can support a more circular economy locally in Hammersmith, Fulham and Chiswick.
The Sulgrave Club celebrates its centenary
I joined young people from the Sulgrave Club in Ravenscourt Park to mark the club’s centenary with the planting of a new fir tree near the play area. It was good to meet junior members and speak with long-standing manager Nick Sazeides about the club’s work supporting local young people. For 100 years, the Sulgrave Club has provided a welcoming space with a wide range of activities, and it continues to play an important role in the community today.
Prestur the horse
You meet some very interesting people in Parliament. On Tuesday I met Prestur the horse. Prestur, a former Icelandic Horse World Champion, was there to highlight the role animals can play in supporting neurodivergent children and adults, helping to build confidence and emotional connection.
W4 Youth Event
I will be joining a panel hosted by W4 Youth on 12 May at the Chiswick Cinema as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. The discussion will focus on loneliness, alongside other speakers including Jeremy Vine. It should be a valuable opportunity to highlight the challenges facing young people locally and the work being done to support them.
Hogarth Trust
I am delighted to have recently been appointed as the first Patron of the Hogarth Trust. It is a well-established local charity supporting young people across our community through a wide range of programmes and activities, including holiday provision and mentoring.
The Trust works with hundreds of young people each year, helping them develop skills, confidence and opportunities beyond school. I look forward to supporting their work, particularly in helping navigate government policy and identifying further funding opportunities so they can continue to expand their reach locally.
In memoriam
I was sorry to learn of the death of Patrick Ground, who served as the MP for Feltham and Heston from 1983 to 1992. Before his time in Parliament, he was also a councillor in Hammersmith and Fulham, representing Parson’s Green, and remained closely connected to west London throughout his life.
I knew him through the Fulham Society, where he played a leading role over many years and remained involved as a vice president. He was always committed to the area and its community.
He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and a longstanding figure in west London public life.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of former Councillor Andrew Brown, who passed away last month after a brief illness aged only 43 years.
Andrew was a dedicated Councillor who served as Leader of the Conservative group in Hammersmith & Fulham until stepping back from that role in 2021. He treated everyone with kindness, decency and good humour, and was widely respected.
My thoughts are with his wife and children at this extremely difficult time.