Croydon parliamentary double whammy - Jasper in, Ottaway out

Thinks are hotting up in Croydon’s political community with the news that ‘Red’ Ken Livingstone’s former race advisor Lee Jasper is to stand for the Respect party in the Croydon North by-election.  And, as if that wasn’t enough nose-bleeding news, we’ve got Croydon South’s MP, Richard Ottaway, who once claimed £2,000 expenses for gardening work on his second home, fixing a tractor tyre and hiring a chimney sweep, standing down at the next General Election. Apparently, he wants to spend more time with his family.

The persistent rumour is that his departure will clear the way for Boris Johnson to take over what has always been the safest of safe seats for the Tories.  Clear the way, that is, for Boris to bid for leadership of the Conservatives.

But it’s the Lee Jasper news that will really liven up the Croydon North by-election expected on 29 November.

George Galloway, the Respect MP said, “If I could have composed the perfect candidate to fight this seat then it would be Lee Jasper,' said. 'Lee has a stellar track record in activism and community involvement.  As well as being a crucial member of Ken Livingstone's team in governing London, as Director for Policing and Equalities. His record of public service is unequalled.'

Lee Jasper said, “I'm delighted to be the Respect candidate.   Following George's amazing victory in Bradford West I welcome the opportunity to offer the people of Croydon North a viable alternative to the tired and failed politics of the mainstream political parties. The responsibility for the economic crisis lies with banks and not the people of Croydon North and yet they are seeing their services cut and the welfare reforms are causing real hardship and acute distress.”

The focus of his campaign will be to, “speak out for the poor, the elderly, the vulnerable, highlight and challenge the shared consensus on cuts and the austerity agenda, supported by Conservatives, Lib Dems and Labour.

“There has to be a strong argument in defence of the unemployed and the working poor and in favour of creating jobs and opportunities. We need fresh and dynamic approach to reducing crime, supporting the victims of the riots in their quest for compensation and tackling the strained relations between young people and the police are just some of our priorities. 'I will be a minority of those articulating that there is another way. I will be arguing against the austerity programme and for investment in public services and jobs. I am looking forward to taking these arguments to the voters of Croydon North.'

The Croydon North by-election is likely to take place on 29 November.

As adviser to the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone as the Mayor's policy Director for Policing and Equalities Lee was responsible for the development, enactment and promotion of equalities policies and had corporate responsibility for the development and delivery of anti-discriminatory policies aimed at ensuring equality in employment practices and service delivery. He was also directly responsible for advising the mayor on policing issues. He has a 30-year record of engagement in public service challenging racism and injustice. He has a demonstrable track record of tackling crime and promoting equality.

He said: “The people of Croydon North deserve better and we are going to offer them better.”

Labour is soon due to select its candidate from a shortlist that includes former Croydon Council leader Val Shawcross.  The Tories have selected Community worker Andy Stranack, while Marisha Ray will represent the Lib Dems.

votegeorgegalloway.com
insidecroydon.com
www.thisiscroydontoday

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