last updated - 8th May 2008

Local Elections Results 2008

Labour's performance at the polls was very disappointing. I think people's financial concerns played a significant role in the council elections and we have to listen to what people were saying when they were expressing their views yesterday.

We have got to reflect and listen to what people are saying - that is the whole point about having elections in our democracy.

Voters gave a clear message that they were worried about money. In that respect these council elections have been different from other council elections that have been taking place over the last 11 years. People are concerned about rising food prices and the increase in fuel bills, and there is a worry about the financial instability.

We must recognise those financial concerns to make sure that people are protected from the economic problems that are out there.

We should have acted earlier on the two groups affected by the decision to scrap the 10p tax rate particularly those who weren't being compensated and were going to lose out - and we have already acknowledged that.

The Government is determined to listen and to ensure that low unemployment levels are maintained and that the economy continues to grow.

Prime Minister's Questions

On 2nd April I took the Prime Minister's place at PMQs as Gordon Brown was attending the NATO summit in Bucharest.

The Zimbabwe elections, the economy and income tax were on the agenda.

I also took questions on autism, overcrowding in Scottish prisons and employment in the water bottling industry.

If you would like to watch or read the transcript you can do so by clicking here.

The Post Office Branch at 6 Gibbon Road

Yesterday the Post Office Ltd announced that the branch at 6 Gibbon Road will close. Over 1,500 people signed a petition opposing the proposed closure. I was one of those people.

I do not want to see any Post Office close. However as there is an increasing subsidy needed from the taxpayer for all Post Offices, I am reluctantly recognising that some Post Offices will have to close.  

Gibbon Road post office is well used by local people, many of whom are elderly or have limited mobility, and who cannot travel long distances to reach the next closest branches.  If the Gibbon Road branch were to close, local people would have to go to the nearest branches at New Cross Road and Peckham High Street which are nearly a mile away.

I am concerned about this decision and have requested a meeting with Allan Leighton at the Royal Mail.

The Livsey Children's Museum

The London Borough of Southwark Council have voted to cut the museum's funding. I am totally opposed to the closure which happened on Friday 29th February 2008.

I am a strong supporter of the Arts and I believe that they must be properly funded.  I am proud that the Government has increased arts funding 73% since 1998; from £187 million in 1997/8 to £412 million in 2007/8.  The Livesey Museum is widely recognised an important resource, not just for people in my constituency, but for people from all over London.

I have written to Annie Shepperd, Chief Executive of Southwark Council to express my opposition to the funding cuts for the Livesey.  I believe the Council must take into consideration the strength of feeling from parents and children, educators and the local community who do not want to see the Museum closed.

I have requested a meeting with the Mayor of London, Borris Johnson, to discuss what more can be done.