iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Joe Hudson-Small @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Been a long day for us here in Camden. Polls are now closed! Enjoyed canvassing for @zackpolanski.bsky.social with @natehiggins.bsky.social, @faizashaheen.bsky.social, @tamhauyu.bsky.social, @mothinali.bsky.social and everyone else!

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

The meeting concluded with voting on some final motions to recognise Tamil Heritage Month, begin DBS vetting, reiterate our status as a borough of sanctuary, and to support new funding enabling dignified faith burials for residents and grieving families.

MOTION PASSED

Recognising
Tamil Heritage Month

Proposed by Greens, passed with Labour and independent support

Newham's Tamil community built temples, schools, and one of Britain's best-known Tamil high streets, and still largely pays for its own Pongal celebrations.

It's time this Council recognises them
and officially marks Tamil Heritage Month.

Cllr Arshan Baskaran
Forest Gate South
Green Group Leader

MOTION PASSED

Mandatory
DBS Vetting

Proposed by independents, passed with Green and Labour support

As councillors it is imperative that
we hold ourselves to the highest standards
so residents can feel safe to engage with us as their representatives.

I am proud to have worked cross-party with other group managers to move the council to action on this.

Cllr Ren Tilbury
Maryland
Co-Business Manager

MOTION PASSED

Borough of Sanctuary:
Ending Council Support for
Immigration Raids

Proposed by independents, passed with Green and Labour support

Newham council and the services we offer for residents should be a source of support and safety, not a secret backdoor to immigration enforcement.

We are a Borough of Sanctuary.

We stand with immigrant communities and
we will ensure everyone can access essential services without fear.

Cllr Sonia Quintero
Stratford

MOTION PASSED

Provision for Dignified Faith Burials in Newham

Proposed by Labour, passed with Green and independent support

We’re proud to support this new investment –
Every family should be able to lay their
loved ones to rest with dignity and in accordance with their faith.

There is a severe shortage of burial space in Newham and this funding will help us work alongside organisations like the NMBA to develop a long-term solution that is practical, respectful, and supported by the community.

Cllr Ibrahim Alom
West Ham
Co-Deputy Leader

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

The Green Group voted with the independents to challenge the broken "community neighbourhoods" rollout and to commit the council to take action on climate change adaptation and resilience. Labour would not vote to make these commitments.

MOTION PASSED

Community Neighbourhoods:
Representation and
Local Accountability

Proposed by independents, passed with Green support
Labour abstained

Labour’s original plans are undemocratic and
are not representative of local residents.

This is a stitch-up by the mayor to give their own councillors more control – and extra allowances to keep them on side.

They should start again by inviting councillors and community champions to ask them what they’d like to see the council do better for their communities and neighbourhoods.

Cllr Kelly Drake
Maryland
Co-Business Manager

MOTION PASSED

Climate Change
Adaptation and Resilience

Proposed by Greens, passed with independent support
Labour voted against

9 weather records were broken in the whole of the 20th century.

18 weather records were broken in the first 26 years of the 21st century so far.

There are wildfires from Stratford to the Scottish Highlands, and flooding and drought across Europe and the world.

Climate crisis is here, it’s real.
We need to do more to combat it and adapt to it.

Cllr Rob Callender
Royal Victoria

MOTION PASSED

Celebrating Excellence in our Schools and Colleges

Proposed by Labour, passed with independent support
Greens abstained

It’s wonderful that so many children have achieved excellent exam results in their GCSEs.

Sadly though, this motion is selective praise of Labour’s own homework, and we are not seeing excellence across all schools in Newham.

Excellence in government means helping everyone, not just the top of the class.

There is so much more we could do for children in SEND (special educational needs) across the borough.

Cllr Dr Jack Pickard
Forest Gate South

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Cllr Matthew Carlile addressed the council to speak on community cohesion and to challenge the wrong assumptions that faith and LGBT inclusion are in conflict.

Members Statement

Cllr Dr Matthew Carlile addressed the council, reflecting on Newham’s diversity and the importance of strong community cohesion.

He drew on his professional experience in education and academic research – and highlighted the value of listening carefully to communities and to ensuring that different voices are included in public decision-making.

He also reflected on the compassion and solidarity that many people of faith show towards LGBT people, challenging wrong assumptions that faith and LGBT inclusion must be in conflict.

The speech also emphasised evidence-informed public service and respectful engagement across differences as foundations for trust, inclusion and effective local government.

Cllr Matthew Carlile
Forest Gate North
Green Group Chair

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Greens had more questions for the cabinet. Ibrahim, Nate, and Arshan demanded answers on what concrete action the mayor has taken to support Palestine, the status of our social housing commitments, and on the impact of the upcoming parking and kerbside consultation.

Members Question

Action for Gaza

Following the raising of the Palestinian flag at Newham Town Hall, can the Mayor set out what concrete actions he has taken to oppose the genocide in Gaza?

... including any representations made to Government ministers... and will he share the outcomes of those representations?

Cllr Ibrahim Alom
West Ham
Co-Deputy Leader

Members Question

Social Housing

Can the Cabinet member provide an update on the borough’s commitment to deliver 50% social housing provision in all new developments –

... and can they tell us the impact of the Planning Inspector's recent amendments to the Draft Local Plan?

Cllr Nate Higgins
Stratford Olympic Park
Chair of Council

Members Question

Parking Review

Before the consultation closes... will the cabinet member publish an assessment of how the benefit of this proposal is distributed across the emissions bands –

... and of how this will effect the Council's commitment to having 10,000 fewer cars in the borough by 2041?

Cllr Arshan Baskaran
Forest Gate South
Green Group Leader

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Cllrs Rob, Ren, Joe, and Kelly had members questions for the mayor and cabinet – asking for updates on Silvertown dust, Bow Road, Lime Bike clutter, and the Chandos Playground.

Members Question

Silvertown Dust

Given the severity of the dust problem – can extra resources be provided to enable an increase in the frequency of pavement and cycleway machine cleaning, along with more regular cleaning around the traffic islands?

Cllr Rob Callender
Royal Victoria

Members Question

Bow Rd. Refurbishment

What plans exist for this building, and will the executive commit to working with local teams to see the building bought back into use as speedily as possible?

Cllr Ren Tilbury
Maryland
Co-Business Manager

Members Question

Lime Bike Clutter

What progress has the administration made on formalising the borough’s relationship with Uber’s Lime Bikes (or other private schemes) – including any planned provision for bay parking on council streets and on other private land?

Cllr Joe Hudson-Small
Stratford Olympic Park
Co-Deputy Leader

Members Question

Chandos Playground

Can the cabinet member reassure us all that the council does indeed care about children’s play and recreation, and give residents a firm date for when the play park will reopen to the public, after so
many delays?

Cllr Kelly Drake
Maryland
Co-Business Manager

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Joe Hudson-Small and Ren Tilbury each formally presented petitions from local residents – one asking for the council's support establishing a new mosque, and another urging the council to renovate the derelict council-owned Bow Road site.

Petition Hand-in

We all know that mosques and other religious spaces are important hubs for education, community, and charity.

700 residents in and around the Olympic Park area are asking for the council’s help working with local landowners to facilitate construction of a new mosque as they have none within walking distance.

Cllr Joe Hudson-Small
Stratford Olympic Park
Co-Deputy Leader

Petition Hand-in

Residents deseve safe and well-maintained council housing
in their ward – not neglected, derelict sites where anti-social behaviour has gone on unchecked.

Residents are calling on the council to begin the renovation work on the Bow Road site now.

Cllr Ren Tilbury
Maryland
Co-Business Manager

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

The meeting began with a deputation (presentation) from the Discover Centre – explaining their work and why they need more support from the council.

Deputation

Stratford Discover
Children’s Story Centre

The council heard deputations from Rebecca and Nick from the Stratford Discover Centre.

The charity provides interactive education for children age 0-11 and their families.

100,000 people visited last year, but they need support from Newham Council.

Quote: "The Discover Centre is a vital resource for so many in Newham and acts as a beacon of joy that goes beyond our borough.

This beautiful and warm environment is at risk and they need the council’s help.

The Green Group would support any action to ensure this gift to our children can continue."

Cllr Chae Ho Hwang
Stratford
Deputy Group Chair

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Follow our thread for updates on Newham's Full Council meeting held on Monday, October 5th 2026 🧵 (These updates are delayed from yesterday)

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Joe Hudson-Small @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Great to have our 5th MP @greenpartyhan.bsky.social here to support @zackpolanski.bsky.social! Labour are scared of our momentum here and across the country – it’s time to tax the rich. … but we’ve only got 18 days to go! Sign up to help here: linktr.ee/HSP_6thGreenMP

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Joe Hudson-Small @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Had fun knocking doors this evening with Team Bloomsbury! Sign up to join daytime or evening canvassing, to pick up a leaflet round, or help phonebank from home. All of it helps get @zackpolanski.bsky.social elected! linktr.ee/HSP_6thGreenMP

Selfie of Joe and eight other Green Party volunteers outside Russell Square station.

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Joe Hudson-Small @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Arrived just in time to hear @carolinelucas.bsky.social tell volunteers here today that voting for @zackpolanski.bsky.social and @greenparty.org.uk in this by-election is the only way to stop Andy Burnham expanding drilling in the North Sea, and to end our complicity in the genocide in Palestine.

Selfie of Joe as more volunteers arrive behind him.

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Joe Hudson-Small @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Perfect weather to be out delivering the last batch of our Stratford Olympic Park edition of the @newhamgreens.bsky.social summer newsletters to residents!

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Police are appealing for information after an assault on Penny Brookes St in my ward left a man with life-threatening injuries around 21:15 on Sat 22nd Aug. If you have info please call police on 101 quoting CAD 3842/28AUG or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

An incredible opportunity has opened up to become @newhamgreens.bsky.social’s first ever full time political assistant after winning a record shattering sixteen councillors this May. Don’t miss out - apply now!

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

We're hiring! We're looking for a full-time political assistant to work with our Green Party council group in Newham. Apply below or share this post with anyone who might be interested! Deadline Sunday 6th September. Full information here: elyq.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...

WORK WITH NEWHAM GREEN GROUP – WE’RE HIRING!

Newham Green Group are looking for our first full-time
political assistant to work with and support our sixteen Green Party councillors.

This is a paid, full-time, hybrid position employed by Newham Council.

Follow the link in the post or scan the QR code to see the job info page, and check out the full job description (JD) attached.

Applications close at the end of Sunday 6th September.

FULL TIME – £45,750 to £49,056.

Don’t be put off if you aren’t sure you meet all the criteria in the advert.
We’d love to hear from anyone with interest and experience they can bring to the role.

Promoted by Mark Harris on behalf of Newham Green Party at International House, 12 Constance St, E16 2DQ.

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Joe Hudson-Small @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Newham council and @newhamgreens.bsky.social had a great time at our first London Pride – we even bumped into Hackney and @zoegarbett.bsky.social! Thousands of people out here to say Trans lives are not a debate.

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Marz king @magicmarz.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

If a black woman is being actively harmed and you dont speak up publicly incase it affects your carer you are not anti-racist or an ally If you benefit from the hard work of black women then cast them aside with nice words or a pat on the back your not a colleague your a coloniser

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Important reading for all allies in the party. Very sorry news. 👇

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Devastating news to wake up to today Marz. I’m so sorry it’s come to this. All those with experience of our internal systems will know what you say to be true. I’m so angry we’ve lost your contributions due to its failure to protect you and uphold our values. I’ll keep fighting to fix this system.

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Joe Hudson-Small @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Amazing to hear from @zackpolanski.bsky.social and @mothinali.bsky.social and to celebrate our 297(!!!) @londongreenparty.bsky.social mayors and councillors across London working hard for our communities.

Zack Polanski speaking on stage at London Green Party Conference

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Joe Hudson-Small @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Honoured to have been elected to this new role by my council colleagues – I look forward to supporting Arshan and everyone else in our group. It’s also bittersweet to announce that I’ve resigned from my GPC party role in order to prioritise our residents and putting our policies into action.

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Ahhhhhh. Over the moon about this. What an incredible new team. 💚💚💚💚🥰🥰🥰🥰

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Say hello to Arshan, Ibrahim, and Joe – our new leadership team here to lead our biggest ever Green council group in Newham. We'll all be working hard for residents and to hold Newham's Labour Mayor to account.

Announcing Newham Green's Leadership Team:
Arshan Baskaran (Leader), Ibrahim Alom and Joe Hudson-Small (Deputy Leaders)

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Adam Higgins @fluffehadam.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Very proud of @abbiellewelyn.bsky.social for her reporting on the survivors of the abuse perpetrated by Al Fayed, and their call for an investigation into his trafficking scheme. Incredibly important work handled with sensitivity and care. Picked up widely, eg: www.theguardian.com/business/202...

theguardian.com

Survivors of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed call for trafficking investigation

Without it the ‘true scale’ of former Harrods owner’s alleged network will stay hidden, says survivors’ group

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Massive big up to @carolinerussell.bsky.social speaking today at @londongreenparty.bsky.social Summer Conference. So much love to Caroline, our amazing Leader at @cityhallgreens.bsky.social, working tirelessly for a decade now in the London Assembly 💚💚💚 Shouting out all our new councillors too 🎉🎉🎉

Caroline speaking in front of a London Green Party banner

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

We have a security measure that locks accounts if they are accessed from out of the country. This was supposed to have been disabled while I was away but appears not to have been, so access needs to be manually restored.

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Just a quick note to say I am currently unable to access my council email since returning back from a trip abroad on Thursday evening, and have contacted the council to seek to restore access. Apologies for any further delays in responding to any emails.

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

As Chair, Eid Al-Adha Mubarak to all at Newham We’re proud to be a community united not in uniformity but in our diversities- today especially so It’s not easy to bring people together across cultures but we must and today I’m reflecting on our success doing so in Newham

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Read the full list at www.newham.gov.uk/downloads/fi...

newham.gov.uk

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

While I’m no longer a member of the Pensions Committee, I’m confident Cllr Ibrahim Alom (new Pensions Chair) & @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social (committee member) will be looking at these closely to ensure they meet our ethical standards and do not expose us to complicity in the Palestinian genocide. 🇵🇸

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

@newhamgreens.bsky.social strongly believe the fund must be protected from complicity in the genocide taking place in Gaza. This publication is the transparency residents and fund members deserve. This in no way contradicts the fiduciary duty the Pensions committee has to ensure sound investment.

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

It’s inexplicable that it took six months to publish the information after the Pension Committee was promised it, and my questions during that time were stonewalled too. That’s after it took months to answer my demands for justification for it not being published.

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

This comes after the council repeatedly rejected Freedom of Information requests for this information, making it one of few councils who refuse to publish this.

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

🚨 After I won a commitment at December’s Pension Committee meeting after months of questioning, I’m proud Newham’s pension fund has finally published its list of holdings. This is the transparency that residents and fund members deserve.

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Fietser Steve @fietsersteve.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

An historic night in #Newham this is amazing to see. @natehiggins.bsky.social A Green councillor, elected chair of the council. @newhamgreens.bsky.social

Newham Council meeting, view of stage, subtitles read "un and and uh therefore councillor Nate Higgins um has" ...

Newham Council meeting, view of stage, subtitles read "been elected chair of the council council" ...

An image of Cllr Nate Higgins and Newham's chief exec at a lectern.

Cllr Nate Higgins wearing a ceremonial chain speaking to full council.

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

We are pleased to announce that Cllr Nate Higgins @natehiggins.bsky.social has been elected by a majority of councillors as Chair of London Borough of Newham Council

Photo showing Cllr Nate Higgins on stage in centre of Council top table as Chair of Newham Council, with Mayor Forhad Hussain and Chief Monitoring Office either side.

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

None of this would have happened without the incredible work of retiring Canning Town North councillor and our candidate for Mayor of Newham @areeq.bsky.social. Thank you Areeq, your leadership built this moment and we will work tirelessly to deliver your manifesto.

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

And finally, congratulations to our three additional West Ham and Beckton councillors: Cllr Imogen Anderson (Canning Town North), Cllr Poojitha Konkati (Royal Albert) and Cllr Ibrahim Alom (West Ham). All three are also new @younggreens.bsky.social councillors!

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Congratulations to Cllr Rob Callender and Cllr Shabd Pyari, elected to represent Royal Victoria – two of our five new West Ham and Beckton councillors!

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Topping off our Green councillors in the Stratford and Bow constituency, we're delighted that Forest Gate South has elected THREE Green councillors – Cllr Arshan Baskaran, Cllr Zahra Kheyre, and Cllr Jack Pickard!

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Congratulations to Cllr Kelly Drake and Cllr Ren Tilbury, our new Green councillors in Maryland ward!

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

We're delighted that long time Green target Forest Gate North has elected a Green councillor for the first time ever – congratulations to Cllr Matthew Carlisle!

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Congratulations to our Stratford councillors, including returning councillor @dannny-k.bsky.social and new councillors Cllr Chae Ho Hwang and Cllr Sonia Quintero

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Congratulations to our group of SIXTEEN Newham Green Party Councillors, fighting for their communities day in and day out. Let's meet them 👇 Starting with @natehiggins.bsky.social re-elected to Stratford Olympic Park joined by new Green councillor @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social, with a huge majority!

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

It’s been an honour to be a councillor for my home in Stratford Olympic Park. It’s been so rewarding to hear how much our hard work in the ward has been noticed & appreciated. Voting is now open - vote for @joehudsonsmall.bsky.social, @areeq.bsky.social and I to keep Stratford Olympic GREEN!

Nate outside a Polling Station sign wearing a Green rosette

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Nate Higgins 🏳️‍🌈 @natehiggins.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Joe & I need more volunteers to help get out the vote on election day THIS THURSDAY From 7am-10pm whatever time you can give will be appreciated - knocking doors, standing at polling stations, keeping volunteers fed or managing data, there’s something for everyone actionnetwork.org/events/help-...

Help us keep the Olympic Park GREEN. Joe Hudson-Small and Nate Higgins.

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Newham Greens @newhamgreens.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Many thanks to @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social who came to #Newham at the weekend! 🙏💚 1/5 of our target Royal Victoria ward doors knocked! 🙌💚 Ready for more? We have ZACK POLANSKI @zackpolanski.bsky.social coming this weekend! Sign up here: actionnetwork.org/events/big-d...

Natalie Bennett with Newham Green Party candidates and volunteers in Royal Victoria ward

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