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Greenwich news and information

Andrew Gilligan: The Election Verdict and the Council Leader’s Bottom

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CHRIS Roberts, newly re-elected leader of Greenwich council, reacted to his victory at last week’s polls with characteristic grace. “Chicken run, my arse, that’s my comment for greenwich.co.uk!” he shouted, according to site contributor Darryl Chamberlain. (Mr Roberts, as we revealed here last year, performed a moonlight flit from his previous ward, Peninsula, to safer territory in Glyndon.)

We need not dwell on Mr Roberts’ arse in this space – we already see more than enough of his fine, manly jaw in the pages of Greenwich Time – but close analysis of the results shows some interesting patterns.

In the council elections, across the borough as a whole, the Labour vote share was 46 per cent. This delivered them nearly 80 per cent of the seats – ah, the joys of first-past-the-post!

The Labour vote rose by 4.7 per cent in the borough as a whole, though some wards in the east of the borough showed rises of up to 12.6 per cent. Such a rise is not that surprising given that 2006, the last time the council was fought, was a shockingly bad year for Labour in London.

Fascinatingly, however, all three wards covered by greenwich.co.uk – Greenwich West, Peninsula and Blackheath Westcombe – saw falls in the Labour vote.

Not huge falls, for sure – Labour dropped by 5.6 per cent in Peninsula, 2.6 per cent in Blackheath Westcombe, only 0.2 per cent in Greenwich West – but still very much against the trend. It does seem as if the residents of SE10 and SE3 are growing gradually more sceptical of the council’s general wonderfulness. Perhaps Mr Roberts was right to be cross with this website after all!

There does also seem to be a bit of an anti-Olympic vote. As well as the three wards around Greenwich Park, the two Woolwich wards, Common and Riverside, both very solidly Labour, also saw a drop in the Labour vote, against the trend. Woolwich Common is, of course, the place where the Olympic shooting events will be held. (The new Royal Arsenal development, with its influx of middle-class residents, will have been another factor in the Labour drop in Woolwich Riverside.)

The only other ward in the borough where the Labour vote fell a bit was Glyndon. There are no Olympics there, no bolshy websites. But Glyndon was the ward where Chris Roberts was standing.

Greenwich will be even more of a Labour fiefdom for the next few years, even though the majority of voters did not vote Labour. But relief may soon be at hand. One of the “political reform” proposals being batted around in the Lib-Con coalition talks this week was changing local council elections to a form of proportional representation. That feels like the kind of thing the Tories could give the Lib Dems to make up for opposing PR for Westminster.

Maybe, just maybe, the next few years will be the swansong of the Greenwich one-party state. Remember that, councillors, won’t you, in the hugely unlikely event that you’re tempted to behave arrogantly?

Labour vote share – 2010 council elections by ward

% Change on 2006
Abbey Wood 52.2 +12.3
Blackheath Westcombe 34.1 -2.6
Charlton 51 +5.7
Coldharbour 33.6 +6.2
Eltham N 34.9 +10.6
Eltham S 27.4 +7.9
Eltham W 51.1 +1.2
Glyndon 58.5 -0.9
Greenwich West 40.5 -0.2
Kidbrooke 46.1 +6.5
Middle Park 39.7 +1.6
Peninsula 40.1 -5.6
Plumstead 55.1 +5.1
Shooters Hill 47.8 +5.4
Thamesmead Moorings 59.7 +12.6
Woolwich Common 61.5 -0.4
Woolwich Riverside 56.5 -6.5
Total 46 +4.7

Seats: Labour 40, Conservative 11

Labour celebrates electoral success in Greenwich

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Greenwich voters went to the polls yesterday in the General Election and Council Election and delivered a successful set of results for Labour.

Nick Raynsford was re-elected as the MP for Greenwich & Woolwich with 49.2% of the vote. Spencer Drury moved the Conservatives into second place, with the Liberal Democrat candidate coming third.

In the local elections, Labour candidates swept the board in the Peninsula and Greenwich West wards.

By the end of the night, Labour were up by four council seats, taking two from the Conservatives and wiping out the Lib Dems who were defending two seats in the Middle Park and Sutcliffe ward.

Polling Station

Candidate Profiles: Julia Tyburn, Peninsula

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Name: Julia Tyburn (Liberal Democrats)
Ward: Peninsula

Julia was born in Paddington but has worked in South East London for 21 years and has now lived in South East London for 10 years. She lives with her husband, Rupert, in East Greenwich. She is a Trustee with United St Saviours Charity, Southwark- an Almshouses charity, Member of South East London Chamber of Commerce, Friend of East Greenwich Traders Association and Member of the Greenwich Society

Julia set up Zenon Consulting in June 1998 and is currently Managing Director. As a senior HR practitioner with over twenty years’ experience in HR, general management and Board level roles, Julia combines national policy level access and thinking with a deep understanding of specific culture issues and their solutions. Julia was interim Director of HR at Greenwich Healthcare/Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust in 2000-2002. She is passionate about HR and its role in transforming people and services.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

It really matters that people vote in Council election as local councillors can focus on local issues that affect all of us.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I am standing as Councillor in Peninsula because I am passionate about the area that we live in. Greenwich is a beautiful place and is visited by millions of people every year. There are thousands of people who live and work here and our role as councillors should be about supporting all of these people and to sustain a safe and vibrant Greenwich for all.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

There are 2 things that immediately come to mind about East Greenwich – the view at the top of Maze Hill is stunning and the energy and tenacity of the local traders in East Greenwich.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

My priorities, if I was elected, for Peninsula ward are :

· Doing what residents really want

· Stop Labour’s misguided plans for blocking roads north of Trafalgar Road

· Stop unsuitable modern buildings in or bordering the East Greenwich conservation area

· Revive East Greenwich and Trafalgar Road shops and businesses

Candidate Profiles: Malcolm Reid, Peninsula

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Name: Malcolm Reid (Conservative)
Ward: Peninsula

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I am 36 years old and have lived in Greenwich since 2000 moving into the Peninsula ward in 2003. I am the Chief Financial Officer for an investment advisory firm based in Mayfair. Prior to this I worked in the City after graduating from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in Business Studies. I have been involved in local politics for a number of years and I am the current Treasurer of the Greenwich Conservative Federation. I am a keen cyclist, cycling most days from Greenwich to my office in Mayfair and enjoy keeping fit at the Arches Leisure Centre.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

The council is responsible for over £100m of council tax payers money, yet at the last election the turnout in Peninsula was only 35%. The current Labour has been in power for about 40 years and I feel are complacent. It is important that the ward is represented by the true majority of the electorate.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

With my background in business I want to ensure that we are getting value for money for our council tax and to ensure services are improved. I want to represent East Greenwich as I feel the current council neglect our area concentrating services in Woolwich. The former East Greenwich housing office lies in a derelict state, the old District Hospital site remains a blot on the landscape.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I enjoy cycling round the Peninsula, with the contrasts that it has to offer, with the O2 and mixture of remaining industry and housing, and when the sun is out enjoying a pint at the Cutty Sark

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

I would prioritise reducing congestion in the ward, working with local businesses and residents to develop an appropriate plan for Trafalgar Road. For the Olympics I would make sure that LOCOG stick to their promises and work to minimise disruption leading up to the events.

Candidate Profiles: David Grant, Greenwich West

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Name: David Grant (Labour)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I am retired from work, formerly as a teacher, including in Greenwich, and as one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools. I have lived in Greenwich West Ward for 15 years, and represented the ward on the Council for 8 years. I have served variously as cabinet member for education and social services.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

Most people are not fabulously wealthy and therefore to improve our lives and those of our families and friends we need to work together. This is why I am a member of the Labour Party. Local councils enable us to look after our interests collectively. Many of the decisions that affect us most are made at this level, therefore if we do not vote we lose the ability to influence these decisions.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I enjoy the work: I like being able to respond to people when they need their councillor’s help, and I like discussing ideas in the Council chamber. I have some useful experience and skills and feel I can use them for the benefit of my local community.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I love Greenwich. My wife and I met here when we were young, and we both wanted to return when we had the chance. I love the Park and the wonderful buildings, the views and the river. One of the particular things I love most in Greenwich is the theatre, which needs and deserves all our support.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

My priorities would be: i) to ensure the Olympic Games in the Park is an enjoyable experience for residents and that the Park is not damaged; ii) to make sure that new developments are done to the highest possible standard and are supported by adequate infra-structure; iii) to preserve and maintain important areas such as the covered market and Greenwich Theatre; iv) to improve the council housing stock locally; and v) to safeguard our two Sure Start children’s centres and ensure our schools improve steadily.

Candidate Profiles: Miranda Williams, Peninsula

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Name: Miranda Williams (Labour)
Ward: Peninsula

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I’m 27 and have lived in the Borough for 4 years, as well as being an active member of our community I am also a school Governor at Fossdene Primary School, Charlton.

After graduating from university I worked for the Department of Work and Pensions in a JobCentre Plus before moving to work in London as a Caseworker for a Member of Parliament.

In my spare time I enjoy reading and knitting as well as following Forest Green Rovers from a distance.

I have been a member of the Labour Party for 11 years.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

It matters that all people eligible to take part in any election vote. Voting is the only way that you can choose your representatives who make important decisions about your community.

Politics effects everyone in all parts of our lives so if you value the things that are part of our daily lives such as our clean streets, good local schools and our recycling scheme then you need to take part our democratic system and vote to elect your local representatives.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

Having worked in Parliament for the last four I have seen how effective hard working elected representatives can be. I also believe that working together as a community produces results far beyond what can be achieved when we work alone.

I believe I have the energy combined with the skills necessary to work with our community to promote the interests of Peninsula residents and to continue to work to make our community an excellent place to live.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

There is very little that I don’t love about the area! Greenwich Park, along with the Pleasaunce in East Greenwich as well as the O2 I would say are my top 3 favourite ‘things’. But on top of that I love the diversity of our Borough and the feel of the area on Marathon Day.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

To ensure that the Olympics in 2012 is an enjoyable and positive experience for all our residents as well as the many expected visitors.

I will work hard to ensure that new housing developments always have a balanced mix of homes offered at social rents, opportunities for shared ownership as well as those for sale at full price. I want to make sure that people growing up in this area have the best chance of living here for the next generation.
To be an approachable and effective Ward Councillor for all the residents of Peninsula.

Candidate Profiles: Adrian Ross, Greenwich West

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Name: Adrian Ross (Green Party)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I’m 44 years years old, married (to Naomi) with a 4 month old son (Ben). I’ve lived in West Greenwich for the last 8 years, but have been coming here regularly ever since my very first trip to visit the Cutty Sark and Maritime Museum, aged 9. Originally from Wiltshire, I studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge and I work in IT.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?
Because the council are the people who look after the environment that you live in. They are responsible for the streets and amenities; for determining the mix of housing, businesses and shops; for encouraging investment, appropriate development and conservation; for traffic and parking schemes; and for providing facilities such as libraries and leisure centres. In brief, the council are responsible for practically everything that I care about when I leave my front gate.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I NEVER thought that I would get involved in politics! But concerns about the environment led me to the Green Party, and after reading their vision for the future I realised there was a better way to do things and a better way to live. Green policies put people and quality-of-life ahead of consumption and greed, and I’d like to be able to provide a better lifestyle for my family, neighbours, friends and everyone who lives or works in Greenwich.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

Wow, where do I start?! I love the Observatory, the Park and the Queen’s House (where Naomi and I were lucky enough to have our wedding reception). I also love the market and the town-centre shops, although I’m very concerned that the plans for the market might spoil these things. My favourite stretch of road is Royal Hill from the flower shop, past the Creaky Shed, butchers, cheese shop and fishmongers up to my favourite pub – the Greenwich Union with its own beer. But if I had to choose one thing, it would be the fact that I
have almost everything I need within walking distance of my house (although less traffic and pollution would make the walks nicer!).

If elected, what would be your priorities for the ward over the next four years?

I’d like to reduce traffic and pollution in the Borough by providing better local servies within walking distance, by improving public transport and by limiting the number of additional cars that will come with all of the new developments. I’d also introduce schemes such as “walking buses” to take children to school – avoiding rush-hour congestion and helping our children to stay healthy. I’d like to offer encouragement to local neighbourhood schemes by offering council grants to communities with the best ideas for how to improve their
area (as Lewisham council and the Green councillors there have done). I’d like to make sure that the council use the Olympics as an opportunity to get some long-term investment and improvement in West Greenwich to compensate for the disruption that we will have over the next 2 years. And I’d like to put the Green back into Greenwich, with schemes such as Fairtrade, smart-meter lending from libraries and local energy-saving cooperatives.

Finally, I’d like to make politics in Greenwich as cool and interesting as everything else that’s here!

Candidate Profiles: Mary Mills, Peninsula

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Name: Mary Mills (Labour)
Ward: Peninsula

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I am an elderly widow who has lived in Greenwich for the past 41 years. My working life was mainly spent in the voluntary sector, including a stint at North Charlton Project, but latterly working on a community response to Docklands redevelopment, eventually concentrating on issues around the environment. I have a PhD in industrial history and am Secretary of Greenwich Industrial History Society – and because of this have written a number of books on the subject, concentrating on east Greenwich, the Peninsula and the riverside walk.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

Of course it matters that people vote – we should be all about a participative democracy. It also matters that people speak up for what they want for the area they live in and I have always done what I can to encourage people to get in touch and to pass on what they say where I can.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I hope I can make a difference to people’s lives in east Greenwich, North Charlton and the Peninsula. There is so much to do and so many things which are difficult. For many people it is hard to live in an area where there is so much change (although for others it is exciting). We need to understand those stresses and respond to them sympathetically and constructively and I do feel I have some very special experience of this. I also feel that in the ten years I have been on the Council I have learnt a great deal of how to tackle the many everyday problems which people have, and hopefully tackle them effectively and realistically. I very much feel that it is my duty to talk to as many local people as I can to learn what they want from their councillors, and I would encourage them to get involved. I am very used to handling email, and twitters and stuff like that – and hope to be able to use it to interact more and more local people. Over the past ten years I have developed a newsletter about local people and local events which goes out monthly – so I have always been happy to hear if people are doing things they want others to hear about, and to add addresses to the list of those who want to get it.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

What do I like most about the area. Where do I start? When I moved to Greenwich in the 1960s I was knocked out that I was finally in an area with Labour councillors, a Labour MP and a Labour GLC member. I am still very proud of that. However I had come from Gravesend and both there, and here in Greenwich, we have the river – and that is a wonderful thing threading through all our lives. But now – oh how I miss the sound of the boats all day! – and the great cacaphony at New Year. But I am very proud of east Greenwich – it IS the centre of the world, its an exciting place to be and I am grateful every day that I live here.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

Where do I start with that? I suppose I want the people who live here to be happy to live here and to have good and fulfilled lives. I suppose that also I want to work towards a cleaner, greener, totally sustainable environment. That’s the long term. In the short term its sorting out all those 100s of day to day problems which hopefully are building blocks towards the long term. Or at least I hope so.

Candidate Profiles: Anthony Austin, Greenwich West

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Name: Anthony Austin (Liberal Democrats)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I work part-time as a freelance editor and also as cycle instructor in south and east London boroughs, teaching children and adults safe cycling. Previously I was a correspondent for Reuters, the international news organisation, working in Switzerland, Italy (including Vatican correspondent), Thailand, and Sweden.
I recently ran the London Marathon for the third time, on this occasion to draw attention to the plight of the polar bear with proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund. On another occasion I ran for the Mayor of Greenwich’s McMillan charity.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

While canvassing for the LibDems I’ve also been handing out forms for people to register to vote, if they hadn’t already done so. When occasionally someone says “I don’t vote, all politicians are in it for themselves” or the like, I say “but don’t you think everything we do is political, and it matters that your voice is heard at the local and national level.”

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I am standing in this election for the LibDems with fresh policies to challenge 39 years of Labour control of Greenwich Council which has become dictatorial, lazy and cynical.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I love the riverside and its shipbuilding heritage. We should do much more to promote our borough, its royal status, the Thames path from Thamesmead to Deptford.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Greenwich West ward over the next four years?

If elected, and in consultation with my party colleagues, I would seek to give better value for council tax, investigate reversing the Labour decision to close Charlotte Turner primary school in Deptford, bring local people more into the planning process rather than imposing development on them.

Candidate Profiles: Simon Gallie, Greenwich West

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Name: Simon Gallie (Conservative)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

Simon Gallie has lived with his Partner in West Greenwich for the past 12 years and in London for 23 years. At work he leads a team of business and private banking managers based in Central London.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

In the last local election the turnout was very disappointing at less than 30% and we got another 4 years of a Labour Council who had already been in control for over 30 years. What we don’t know is what the other 70% of local residents wanted. If you care about your local area you need to vote.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

As I think parts of Greenwich are good but could be great. Are our streets as clean as they could be? Does the town centre look as good as it could? Are our public open spaces kept tidy? I don’t think we are getting value for money and want to make good great. I think I have business and commercial experience that would be useful in local government.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

The wonderful Park and World Heritage Site with many historical buildings in Greenwich West.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Greenwich West ward over the next four years?

In no particular order:
Ensure the Olympic Authority return the Park as they have said they will (despite a very lax and planning consent containing little detail).
Tidy and clean streets we can be proud of.
Value for money and efficiency in the upkeep of the council grass and planting areas.
Regeneration of some of the business premises and ensuring this is consistent with the World Heritage Site.
Preserving Greenwich’s Markets.
Controlling crime and anti-social behaviour without limiting residents ability to enjoy a drink in the sun.
Installing bins so people can actually “bag it and bin it” after their dogs.
Re-open Charlotte Turner School which should not have been closed.