Thread by @Andrewwood17

Next Tower Hamlets local elections are 11 months away today
So a thread about what that means for you
Pics are from GLA assembly member election last month at a ward level - red indicates runner up
As you can see under First Past the Post Labour would win 100% of the Council
1/

But in TH part of the local Labour vote sometimes splits (for Respect 2006, 2010, then Tower Hamlets First 2014, then Aspire/PATH 2018), it is why you have people like @going4golds , @RabinaKhan & I elected, in part because of that split
2/

In other parts of London like Newham or Lewisham there is no split & you have 100% Labour Councils
If Lutfur Rahman runs then likely in May 2022 similar splits will occur again
The question is where? pic also from GLA election for local assembly member by ward
3/

But it does mean that elections are more competitive here & other parties have won wards in recent yrs in part because of those splits
Also means parties & politicians will have to compete for YOUR vote so you will gain more power as voters as we get closer to the 5th May 2022
4/

The Mayor is elected on a more proportional system including 2nd preference votes so makes it easier for a candidate to win with support from other voters
A reminder the job of Cllrs is in part to hold the Mayor to account (otherwise what is the point in having us?)
5/

So you need to have a think about how use the extra power you will gain up to the 5th May 2022
It also means politicians will be doing more work in the coming months to get your vote (& also because COVID restrictions lifting)
But unless there is a split or tactical voting
6/

you will have no power as politicians will assume they can rely on your vote regardless of whether they do a good job
I will be asking you some Qabout this over the coming days in part as I need to finalise my work programme for my next (last?) 11 months as a Councillor
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