Seven would-be MPs are running for the East Ham constituency, and we quizzed them on who they are, the biggest issues in the area, and why people should vote for them.
Afzal Choudhry - Friends Party
A 42-year-old journalist from Beckton, political columnist in Daily Ausaf and Daily Pakistan for the last ten years, researcher for a book about world religions, political analyst on ARY News, Dawn News and anchorman on Takbeer TV, NEO TV and Life TV.
Please tell us in ONE word what the biggest local issue is for you: POOR CONDITION OF EAST HAM
Why should people vote for you? To protect their rights, better housing, fair and just policing, more safety and policing.
Kirsty Finlayson - Conservative Party
A 26-year-old trainee solicitor from Whitechapel, former member of the European Youth Parliament, former parliamentary assistant, deputy chairman of the Bethnal Green & Bow Conservatives, activist with North and East Conservative Women for London, and Samaritans volunteer
Please tell us in ONE word what the biggest local issue is for you: HOUSING
Why should people vote for you? The Labour-run council and Labour MP, despite years of experience, have not improved employment prospects, have not addressed anti-social behaviour and have not reduced street litter and fly-tipping. I’m bringing fresh ideas to resolve these problems. The Conservatives are creating apprenticeships to get more people working than ever before, introducing measures to ban letting agent fees and make it easier for people to buy a house and implementing a National Litter Strategy to combat rubbish. But we need to see these positive outcomes here. As your MP, I will hold Labour councillors to account and help Theresa May make a success of Brexit, ensuring a strong economy that works for every East Ham resident.
Chidi Oti-Obihara - Green Party
A 45-year-old financial consultant and banking whistleblower from Beckton.
Please tell us in ONE word what the biggest local issue is for you: THE ENVIRONMENT
Why should people vote for you? The sustainable development of my East Ham constituency from both an environmental and an economic perspective is very important to me. Aside from challenging the financial practices in Newham, I am also keen to demand that we are more ambitious about building more environmentally friendly housing. Locally and nationally this is a real issue. We also need better maintained flood defences otherwise residents are at increasing risk in the south of the borough. Finally my constituents face unhealthy plans for city airport expansion and unsustainable pressure is being put on the Beckton sewage works – change is needed and it is needed fast. The current administration of Newham Council have the balance wrong in my opinion and the only way this will change is if people vote for it. Vote Green.
Daniel Oxley - UKIP
A 63-year-old tourism worker, school governor and former teacher from North Woolwich, and chairman of the UKIP Newham Branch.
Please tell us in ONE word what the biggest local issue is for you: HOUSING
Why should people vote for you? Thanks to the slow pace of Brexit negotiations and an unprepared Government, we have an unnecessary period of uncertainty. This uncertainty is damaging. If it continues it will not be Brexit which creates problems but the uncertainty over a long period of time which is promoted by so many. The Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and Labour are dragging their feet over Brexit and they are creating instability and uncertainty. UKIP is the party which will push for a positive conclusion to the process of leaving the EU. It believes in the right of EU migrants to stay in this country. UKIP will work for all the advantages of independence as we face and embrace the future.
Mirza Zillur Rahman - Independent
A 48-year-old barrister and consultant from Upton Park with 20 years experience on socio-political activities in the community.
Please tell us in ONE word what the biggest local issue is for you: RESPECT
Why should people vote for you? Most importantly, the primary role for the future MP of the East Ham constituency should be to be an advocate for the people of East Ham. There are many issues that will come before us in the next few years. They include security issues like more patrols on our roads and neighbourhoods, the housing and education and employment service. In addition, we need to strengthen our community foundations to bring more jobs to East Ham. Second, the MP for East Ham constituency should be a vital and active communications link between the people and the Parliament. In my role as a long-time business owner and an immigration lawyer, I’m constantly in touch with both citizens and business owners. I understand their needs and desires. So I am fully confident our people understand me and vote me.
Stephen Timms - Labour
61-year-old East Ham resident since 1978 and an MP since 1994. Former government minister and leader of Newham Council. Elected to brexit Select Committee in September.
Please tell us in ONE word what the biggest local issue is for you: HOUSING
Why should people vote for you? Tory-led Governments since 2010 have created a severe housing crisis. More and more local people can’t afford a decent local home. I support Labour’s manifesto: build more houses, ‘Help to Buy’ for first time buyers, and a new programme of council house building. I support a small increase in income tax for those earning over £80,000, to get the NHS back to stable finances. I am appalled by Tory proposals to take funding from London schools and give the money to schools in the countryside. I will maintain my frequent, popular advice surgeries, and continue to support young peoples’ interest in politics.
Glanville Williams - Liberal Democrats
A 52-year-old equalities specialist from Colchester and vice-chair of the Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats.
Please tell us in ONE word what the biggest local issue is for you: TRUST
Why should people vote for you? East Ham voters deserve an MP who gets it and who will get things done. Someone who will not pay lip-service, or be lobby fodder, but will fearlessly speak truth to power and ferociously and tenaciously fight for a brighter future for East Ham. A future where it doesn’t matter, the sort of family you were born into, or the colour of your skin, your faith, your gender or whom you choose to love. A Liberal future where ‘opportunity’ exists for all. Opportunity to get a great education, a good job, a rewarding career, a successful business. To live in a decent affordable home and enjoy a safe and clean environment. To access excellent health and social care as needed and to always be treated with respect and dignity, no matter your circumstance.
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