Armed Forces Day

The sun shone for Armed Forces Day in Romford on Saturday. Troops marched down South street, through the market place, finishing at the Town Hall where they were welcomed by the Mayor, Cllr Pam Light. Councillors staged a collection for Help The Heroes - pictured are Cllr Rebecca Bennet, Cllr Linda Trew, and Cllr Lynden Thorpe.

Election Review

The London Assembly is to carry out a review of the recent elections in London.

Turnout was high in the Capital for a day which combined the general election with votes for London's local authorities. Results were mixed and most parties - except the BNP - had something to celebrate. However it appeared that not every borough was prepared for the large voter demand, especially at the end of the day.

There were stories around London of voters lining up to form queues and some of these people were too late to cast their ballot.

There are also some cases of alleged voting fraud, with police called in to investigate the accuracy of the electoral register in some wards.

The Assembly review will focus on the administration of the process rather than the politics. Details will be worked out by the business management committee but we intend to ensure that London is fully prepared for a high turnout in 2012, when Boris Johnson will face a challenge from Labour's candidate against a backdrop of potential protest voting against a Liberal Conservative government wrestling with difficult choices.

I proposed the review at the Assembly Meeting on Wednesday morning and I was delighted that it received unanimous cross party support.

Elm Park Swingers

Not the best weather today, but the show must go on. Cllr Pam Light, the newly elected Mayor of Havering was on a tour of the borough, opening new play areas and publicising the good work done by our parks department.

Her stops included Hacton Parkway, St Andrew's Park, Hornchurch Country Park,Brookway Park, Lawns Park and of course Harrow Lodge Park on the edge of my own ward. I was there to greet her and give her a hand on the new play equipment along with Cllr Andrew Curtin, our cabinet member for leisure and culture.