September Update – Autumn in Lewisham

It feels like autumn is truly here, with schools now back in session, the football season underway and, of course, council meetings in full swing.

This month, we celebrated East and Southeast Asia Heritage Month. I hope you had the chance to attend one of the many events taking place across Lewisham in honour of one of our borough’s rich and diverse communities.

It has been a busy month. On a personal note, I am delighted to have joined the LGA’s Safer Stronger Communities Committee, a cross-party grouping driving forward local government change at a national level. I am also deeply grateful to have been elected to Labour’s National Women’s Committee. Thank you to the Lewisham constituencies for nominating me — I will represent you to the very best of my ability.

As your councillors, we have been focused on working hard for Lewisham residents, being strong local champions, and making sure we deliver on the basics — from litter-picking and community visits, to holding regular surgeries and handling casework.

Full council update

At this month’s Full Council meeting, a group of local residents presented a petition about the proposals for the new Lewisham Shopping Centre. The chamber debated the petition, and Labour countered the amount of misinformation spreading online about the development, as well as explaining the role the new Green administration is playing in its delivery.

During the debate, the mayor’s conduct towards me fell short of the standards one would expect of a leader. I wrote to him about this and, to his credit, he called me to apologise. While I appreciated his swift acknowledgment, the only apology I will accept is changed behaviour going forward.

Cllr Hilary Moore also presented a petition, calling for the revitalisation of Grove Park Library Gardens.

Our Labour motion calling for a review of paternity and parental leave was passed unanimously. The council also voted unanimously to protect and increase biodiversity and improve the health of our rivers. Labour councillors spoke strongly in support, highlighting Lewisham’s trailblazing record on environmental action and the work we have already done to protect our natural environment.

Labour Conference

This week, it’s been great to be at Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

Conference is always a good opportunity to hear new ideas, share experiences, catch up with our Labour family from across the country and, of course, meet up with everyone from Lewisham who is here this week.

The Prime Minister’s speech was a reminder of why those conversations matter. There was a clear focus on being honest about the challenges we face, recognising where we need change and making sure we get the basics right for people, from housing and the cost of living to care and public services.

I particularly liked the emphasis on hope. It was also good to hear the importance of bringing power closer to communities and making sure every part of the country has a voice. That feels particularly important for places like Lewisham, where local people have so much to contribute.