Well the European and local elections are now over and I have had a little time to rest. I was disappointed not to win a seat in the European elections, but delighted that I was part of a fantastic London Labour party campaign machine, where I was able to contribute to a triumphant result in London. The Labour party gained two extra MEP’s, with a swing of over 15% to become the first party in London. Congratulations to Claude Moraes, Mary Honeyball, Lucy Anderson and Seb Dance who will now represent us in the European Parliament. I will always treasure our memories on the campaign trail over the past year. Thank you to all my supporters, well wishers, family and friends. Without your support I could not have got through the hectic schedule that being a European candidate brings.
Labour also increased its share of the vote in all the other UK regions in the European elections and are now also the largest party in the local government association (LGA), which is fantastic news.
I stood for re-election in Barking and Dagenham and was delighted when the residents of Alibon ward voted for me to serve them for another four years. UKIP stood candidates in each ward in the borough but we saw them off just as we saw off the BNP in 2010 with a further 5% swing to Labour. I look forward to working hard in my ward and with my fellow councillors across the borough, during these tough times to make it a better place to live and work for everyone.
This weekend I received a community leadership award for the work I do to represent my constituents in Barking and my work as chair of the health and adult services scrutiny committee, at the good neighborhood scheme awards ceremony, which was held in Barking.
It was an honor to accept this award, although my passion for community representation does not come from external recognition but seeing the difference in the lives of people I represent when I am able to intervene in their particular circumstances which spur me on.
Sanchia Alasia is a Labour Councillor for Alibon Ward in Barking and Dagenham and a specialist in equality and diversity.
Sanchia was one of the Labour Party candidates for the European elections in 2014 in the London region.
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Sanchia writes regularly about the French political landscape and her pieces can be read on www.leftfootforward.org the Fabian review and her own blog.
