Today’s news is very poignant for us – as we have to announce Rachel Collinson is standing down as a candidate for the upcoming ‘snap’ election. Rachel needs to focus on recovering from current health problems and felt unable to adequately meet the demands of the candidacy, in addition to her other duties for the Party.
We fully support her decision and wish her a full and fast recovery.
As a result, it’s been a roller-coaster week; we held a second selection meeting with the local membership, to vote again for candidates in both East Ham and West Ham constituencies.
It’s a pleasure to introduce Newham Green Party treasurer Michael Spracklin, who has been selected as our candidate for West Ham.
Support for Green policies is at an all-time high and the party have built a strong presence in Newham. Last year the Newham Greens candidate came second in a by-election in Forest Gate North, with 31% of the vote.
The picture of a working class boy done good, Michael has always lived in East London, and is an IT Consultant in central London, but he never lost his roots and has campaigned for social equality and more social housing for many years.
Michael hopes to engage disillusioned voters. “During our EU Referendum campaigning last year, we spoke to countless people who didn’t plan to vote because they didn’t feel their vote mattered. Newham’s residents deserve to have a voice, and many currently feel that they don’t.”
Michael is passionate about politics and a big believer in social justice and equality; he has campaigned for left-wing causes as long as he can remember. “Newham Green Party have been working towards a fairer borough, through campaigns against the council’s LOBO loans, the increase in fly-tipping, expansion of London City Airport, and big new developments which don’t meet the needs – or budgets – of local people.”
Michael added “I’m also proud of our long history of supporting like-minded grass roots activists like the Focus E15 mothers, Friends of Queens Market, Newham Say No to Racism, BLM UK, and the Boleyn Dev100 campaign.”
“Nationally, we’re challenging the environmental, humanitarian and economic catastrophe that the UK now faces. The mainstream parties just bow down to the super-rich and lobbyists. I believe that the Tory government’s ideology driven “austerity” cuts should end. It’s grotesquely unfair. The super-rich, banks and multinational companies should take their losses and pay their taxes.
A green, fair and prosperous society is not only achievable but necessary.”
Newham Green Party 