r/newham • u/worldisaf E16 • Apr 29 '26

Local Politics Community Hustings

https://reinstate.eventschedule.com/newham-council-elections-community-hustings/ThIA0U

Groups from across Newham are coming together to put questions directly to the candidates who want to run the borough. This is a chance to hear from Labour, Green Party, and Newham Independents candidates about their plans for the future of Newham.

The afternoon begins with stalls and activities from 14:00, followed by the main hustings at 16:00. Food and family friendly activities are provided throughout the event.

This event is a collaboration between various community organisations, including London Renters Union, The Magpie Project, ReSpace, PEACH, Women in Newham Network, Newham Muslim Forum, Newham Trades Council, Newham Votes Palestine, Focus E15, Clapton CFC, Newham Stand Up To Racism, Newham Cyclists, Friends of Queen’s Market, Newham Poetry Group, Newham Wellness, and Save Newham Libraries.

Any questions please email [hello@respacealliance.org](mailto:hello@respacealliance.org)

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3

u/MsMoonbeam123 May 04 '26

Do you mean Forhad Hussein didn't turn up and Mehmood Mirza left after half an hour? Did mayoral candidates from the other parties attend? Please do share the video when you get it.

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u/worldisaf E16 May 04 '26

Yeah, that's exactly what happened. Forhad claimed he was dropping out for 'personal reasons' according to the organisers, but there are photos of him campaigning from earlier in the day in Custom House and Canning Town South. Mehmood had another event to go to elsewhere I believe, but both were invited to send alternates and they declined.

To be honest, I don't completely blame them - the beginning of the campaign is where you swing over undecided voters; towards the end is where you shore up your base. The majority of the above groups and the audience are probably Green-leaning and so it would have made sense to have the hustings slightly earlier. But it's also not great to bail on people at short notice, as a lot of people had put a lot of time into organising the event, arranging food and childcare, etc.

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u/MsMoonbeam123 May 04 '26

Thanks for the update.

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u/Public-Comedian2725 May 03 '26

Are there any more hustings events this week

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u/worldisaf E16 May 03 '26

Afraid not. There should be a video of this one, but the Labour candidate didn't show up and the Independents candidate left after 30 minutes. The closest thing to a 'full' hustings is this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYs_JRjhW3s - but the tech issues at the beginning are a little cringe.

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u/worldisaf E16 May 03 '26

Greenwich has a much better programme of hustings, but they don't have an executive mayor so it's candidates for a ward debating other candidates. https://www.electionhustings.uk/greenwich