I have been a councillor since 2014 and leader of LB Lambeth from 2021 to 2026.  As a lifelong labour activist and trade unionist, I stood for my local council to fight for free access to sports facilities for local young people. 

In addition to enshrining turn up and play for free in our local manifesto 2022, we successfully brought our leisure services back in-house a year later ensuring free access for children, young people and Sanctuary seekers. 

I led the turn around of our public services despite severe financial constraints due to Tory/Lib Dem austerity.

I know that similarly, you are all working hard in your areas, up and down the country, whether your Group is running the council or not, to deliver the best services for your communities. 

Following the disappointing local election results in May 26 we now have a challenging landscape.  We have fewer labour councillors, the rise of populism on the right and left and many councils either gone to the Greens, Reform or No Overall Control. It is vital we learn the lessons from 2026 to support labour colleagues to get elected in 2027 and beyond, because our residents need us to remain focussed on  them. 

With our new leader and Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, we have an opportunity to go back on the offensive, speak loudly and proudly of our record as a  Labour Government, and bring a message of hope to our communities. We will work with Andy to ensure our local government voice is central to the Party’s planning and thinking. 

This is vital becasue as councillors, we have been the last line of defence for our communities through some dark and challenging years.  Now we are all leaders in re-building powerful, resilient communities in all parts of the UK.

Following years of Tory chaos and managed decline of our economy and public services, we need to continue to work with our Labour government to rebuild the economy and the country and to continue to  implement a progressive policy agenda.  

And as we rebuild, councillors must be at the table, bringing our experience of managing through austerity, Covid and the cost of living crisis, our learnings from May 26, devolution and LGR, to the centre of the debate. We are on the front line of our communities, delivering for and alongside them. 

It has been an honour to serve as your NEC representative. I will continue to be a strong and passionate voice for Labour in local government. I will keep you informed and keep listening to you. I know that the best way to represent you is to draw from your knowledge and experience. That’s what I intend to do, and that’s how I will make our collective voice heard. I want to thank everyone who has been in contact over the last 2 years. 

Please support Peter and me to be your local government representatives on the NEC.