“Vote Green to defend Lambeth’s sheltered housing” says by-election candidate

A by-election has been called in Lambeth less than 6 weeks after residents last went to the polls, following the resignation of a Labour Councillor.

The Glebe

 

Lambeth Greens Jonathan Bartley and Cllr Scott Ainslie (back row, left) during their successful campaign to save The Glebe sheltered housing. They are hoping to replicate their victory in Leigham Court

Sonia Winifred stood down as it emerged that she was not legally allowed to occupy the seat as an employee of the council. Despite the error – which will cost residents of a local borough already hit by cuts an extra £15,800 – Labour have reselected Winifred to stand.

Jonathan Bartley of Lambeth Green Party, who are also contesting the seat, said: “People are noticing an arrogance about Labour in Lambeth. Unrepentantly standing the same candidate again sends out the message that Labour are complacent and believe they can get away with anything.”

Green candidate Chris Hocknell, an energy and environmental consultant for the built environment, also criticised the attitude of the Labour run council: “Greens are the only alternative here in Knights Hill.  We need a distinctive voice on the council to stand up for local residents, not another person to rubber stamp what the council is doing. 

“The best decisions are made collaboratively.  Whether about housing policy, waste or council tax, what Lambeth Council does should reflect the concerns and interests of local residents. My pledge is to make sure that this happens for local people.” 

One of Chris’s key pledges is to defend Leigham Court Sheltered Housing, which the council wants to knock down and redevelop against the residents wishes. Green Lambeth Councillor Scott Ainslie was elected in May to represent St. Leonard’s ward following the successful campaign to save the nearby Glebe sheltered housing community

Speaking in the Guardian, Chair of Lambeth Greens Jonathan Bartley said: 

“It has become abundantly clear that it’s all about fulfilling targets. It has nothing to do with taking account of the wishes of residents, the actual state of the buildings, or the significance of the architecture. The council is moving towards a medical care-based model of old-age, rather than a social model, geared towards putting people in little boxes and charging them for extra services they don’t need.”

Speaking to This is Local London, he added: 

“Lambeth council have treated these old people as income units to be shifted around like capital. Some of them have talked about chaining themselves to railings to stop this happening.”

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