Keeping it in the Family

We reported a year ago, on the increasingly nepotistic appearance of the Newham Labour Group, in the remarkable number of close relations on the council. Well, it seems that Labour has done it again.

With the resignation of Cllr Charters, Labour has chosen Stephanie Garfield to stand in the Wall End Ward. It just so happens, by the strangest of coincidences, that Stephanie is married to cabinet member, Cllr Josh Garfield. If elected, this will bring the family teams to around 17% of the total membership of the Labour Group. Clearly, Labour is making major strides in the direction of greater democracy and transparency.

This husband-and-wife team, assuming that Stephanie, is elected, will join other partnerships on the council.

Mohammed Muzibur and Rohima Rahman.

Daniel and Carleene Lee-Phakoe

Tony and Jemima McAlmont

And then there is father and son team, Harvinder and Amar Virdee.

It is almost an anti-climax that the candidate for the Boleyn Ward is a run of the mill Labour apparatchik. Sophia Patel spent time working for the Labour Party, for MPs, in the States working for Hilary, and latterly, in the office of Party Leader, Keir Starmer.

We do not know yet who the various opposition groups will put up, but expect a lot of activity and a small turnout.