Kmflett's Blog

A JL Partners poll for the Telegraph has suggested that the Green Party may be get the biggest number of Councillors in two London Boroughs on 7th May. They are the neighbouring north-east London Boroughs of Hackney and Haringey.

Leaving aside the Telegraph spin its an MRP poll. The media like these because they ‘predict’ outcomes in each contest rather than just give a national poll. However they don’t poll locally. They take the national figure and apply it to local contests. At the 2024 General Election for example MRP polls suggested the strong possibility that Suella Braverman would lose her seat. Sadly she did not.

Anyway to Hackney and Haringey. Green leader Zack Polanski lives in Hackney and both Councils have a handful of existing Green Councillors. Interestingly on May 7th both Boroughs also have a Green- Socialist pact with the Greens making way for independent socialist candidates in a small number of Wards. The collaborations reflect joint activity over Palestine and Council policies over the past several years.

The background is interesting. In the 2011 AV Referendum Hackney and Haringey both voted for, while hardly anywhere else did. In the 2016 Brexit Referendum they recorded the highest remain votes. The reasons might not be quite what could be surmised. As a Tottenham resident I’d suggest that the Brexit vote did not reflect a huge love for the EU but a correct understanding that Leave meant the racism of Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage- pretty much the last thing residents need. Several years back it was reported that there were 192 different languages spoken in Haringey, and people get along and work together.

It would be good in my view to see some independent socialist representation on both Councils. A key issue is pension fund investment in companies that are on the wrong side on Palestine. Other issues such as continuing austerity and the right to protest are not determined by local Government (but can be fought by it).

Looking at the experience of Councils where the Greens have had control, the record is not hugely impressive, partly because constraints (lack of budget) make change difficult and fulfilment of statutory responsibilities is important whoever . A Green vote would certainly send a message to Starmer but I tend to think a strong, principled and active Green-Left opposition might work best. Others may lean towards a Green Council with independent socialist support.

Either way change is likely. Haringey was formed in 1965 and the only period when Labour has not been in control was 1968-71 when the Tories were in charge. That is an interesting but another story.

By the way certainly in Haringey neither the Tories or Reform will be winning any seats.

As ever the real struggle often lies beyond the Council chamber, On Palestine, on racism and Reform and on the impact of Trump’s War. But in the run up to May 7th there can be expression of that at the ballot box, so campaigning is essential.