Political Declaration - Updated February 2024.
I joined the Labour Party when I lived in Islington in the 1970s & resigned from the Party in October 2020.
During 40+ years living in Haringey Borough, at different times I had various voluntary roles in Tottenham Labour Party This included constituency and local wards secretary.
I was also an elected local councillor from 1998 to 2014.
I decided not to seek re-election in May 2014. I continue to endorse David Lammy Tottenham's MP.
I have moved from zero expectations of Keir Starmer MP to a wholly negative opinion.
The Tottenham riot in August 2011 was decisive for me. Haringey Council's practical response immediately post-riot showed the best of local government and local council staff. It also showed the leadership qualities of David Lammy who spoke out with passion for our community.
By contrast, and in my personal opinion, the Council Leader until 2018 and her close allies failed completely to respond to the riot other than with banalities and by following previous failed policies. Colluding with vile plans such as Council Home demolition and social cleansing which would prolong and deepen the factors leading to the riot.
In its latter years that Leadership appeared to lack any left-of centre vision, let alone socialist principles and policies. I and other Labour councillors were asked to support what seemed Tory policies.
The Joe Ejiofor leadership which succeeded them, badged themselves as a "Corbyn Council" and "Momentum". To me their actions appeared right-wing. But less competent, and just as unwilling to learn. Due to the dysfunctional Leader and cabinet system Joe Ejiofor was able to accumulate power.
In May 2021 the Group of Labour councillors narrowly voted to replace Cllr Ejiofor with Cllr Peray Ahmet as Leader. She has selected a cabinet committed to working as a team rather than - as - too often in the past - a petty ruler with courtiers.
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My wife Zena Brabazon was re-elected as one of the three Labour councillors for Harringay ward.
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"... the most important office, and the one which all of us can and should fill, is that of private citizen." - Louis Brandeis member of the United States Supreme Court 1916-39.
