This post is to give you a few updates on the elections that are taking place on 6th May in London, what we in Orpington Labour Party are doing and, if you are able, how you can help.

Mayor of London

As you are aware Sadiq Khan is standing for re-election as Mayor of London, and whilst the opinion polls for him look very good, I’m sure that we all realise that we cannot be complacent. Despite the awfulness, ineffectiveness, downright lies and dirty tricks of the Tories and their Candidate, which has been on full display, there is still a concrete effort, especially in outer boroughs like ours to push his vote aganst Sadiq.

This is going to be very much a turnout election and we are looking to increase postal voting to ensure not only we get out the vote but, given the current lockdown situation, we do so safely. To that end we are requesting that as many members as possible apply for a postal vote and we are challenging all members to get 3 friends and family to do so as well. The deadline for forms to arrive at Bromley Civic Centre is the 20th April. You can download the application form here: https://postalvote.labour.org.uk/london? utm_campaign=sadiq21_earlyvote&utm_source=sadiq_website&utm_medium=hero_box

Greater London Authority

We have an excellent candidate in the form of Stefano “Stef” Borella, a hard working councillor in Bexley, contesting the Bexley and Bromley GLA seat against another ineffective, flip flopping opponent, Bromley’s Deputy Leader Peter Fortune. Once again it is important that we get out the vote to support Stef who will be an excellent GLA representative. You can check out his campaign at his website here: https://stefborellalabour.com/

Crystal Palace By-Election

There is a by-election taking place in Crystal Palace on the same day due to the resignation of Cllr Marina Ahmed who will (hopefully) be taking up the mantle of GLA member for Lambeth and Southwark after the elction. Any assistance you can give our colleagues to retain that seat would be most welcome. Please get in touch with the local party (Lewisham West and Penge).

Phone Banking

Due to the Covid lockdown, door to door canvassing has pretty much been halted, and whilst we are now permitted to do it, due to continued concerns from members re door knocking and the potential reception frome the public, the Party has set up and is maintaining a concerted effort to canvass via phone. There are regular phone banks planned and you can take part in any via Zoom. The next will be on 30th March where David Lammy MP (Shadow Justice Secretary) will be joining this session.

To join in every Tuesday and Thursday from 18:00 – 19:30 contact us for access details.

Leafleting

We have now taken a consignment of further leaflets for the Mayoral and GLA Elections. Our CLP Chair Chris Taylor is organising the ‘walks’ to try to maximise the Labour Vote across the constituency. In this election every vote matters as it is London wide and has a proportional element to it! If you are able to help please email him on: chris.taylor@printemporium.biz

Social Media

As you may be aware there has been an increase in the use of Social Media by Orpington Labour Party. A lot of messaging and future campaigning will be taking place this way and it is something that you as an indiviudal with a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account can take part in.

If you have a Facebook account ensure that you like and follow Orpington Labour’s Public Page: https://www.facebook.com/OrpingtonLabour

What we are asking for is for everyone who has a Facebook Account is to SHARE at least one post that goes up on the Public Page per day, to spread our message to places where it would not otherwise be seen.

Similary if you have a Twitter account follow us @opingtonlabour and retweet as much of our content as possible, and if you are on Instagram please share our posts @orpingtonlabour to your stories.

On The Day, 6th May…

We are currently looking for volunteers and help on the day to Get Out The Vote of those that have not voted by post. Again please contact us if you have any ideas and are willing and able to assist.

REMEMBER: These are Local/Regional elections and it is vital to the people of London and our area to ensure that we elect a Labour Mayor and as many Labour GLA Members as possible for effective and compassionate governance.

All the best,

Richard Honess

Secretary – Orpington CLP