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| At the ] borough elections, Athwal similarly led the Redbridge Labour Party to another victory, securing 51 of the 63 seats, and increasing its majority by 15. This left the Conservative opposition with 12 councillors and wiped out the Liberal Democrats from the borough altogether.<ref>{{Citation|title=2018 Redbridge London Borough Council election|date=2019-08-25|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/search/?title=2018_Redbridge_London_Borough_Council_election&oldid=912457567|work=Misplaced Pages|language=en|access-date=2019-09-13}}</ref> | At the ] borough elections, Athwal similarly led the Redbridge Labour Party to another victory, securing 51 of the 63 seats, and increasing its majority by 15. This left the Conservative opposition with 12 councillors and wiped out the Liberal Democrats from the borough altogether.<ref>{{Citation|title=2018 Redbridge London Borough Council election|date=2019-08-25|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/search/?title=2018_Redbridge_London_Borough_Council_election&oldid=912457567|work=Misplaced Pages|language=en|access-date=2019-09-13}}</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | In September 2019, Athwal was criticised for failing to address the breaches in procedure at the Seven Kings Labour CLP nomination for Ilford South, Athwal declared his victory on Twitter before the actual voting took place, sparking suspicion amongst Party members who questioned his integrity. In October 2019, Athwal was suspended from the Labour Party for allegations of sexual harassment."<ref name="ref-er-3">{{cite web|url=https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/politics/jas-athwal-ilford-south-redbridge-leader-suspended-from-labour-party-1-6309198|title=Redbridge Council leader suspended from Labour Party over 'serious allegation'|last1=Braddick|first1=Harriet Line & Imogen|website=Ilford Recorder|language=en|accessdate=9 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="ref-er-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-49944605|title=Council leader suspended over 'serious allegation'|date=5 October 2019|accessdate=9 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/05/labour-reopens-applications-for-ilford-south|title=Labour reopens applications for safe seat after 'stitch-up' accusations|last=Murphy|first=Simon|date=5 October 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref>. Athwal denied the allegations<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/17951603.redbridge-council-leader-jas-athwal-urged-step-aside/|title=Redbridge Council leader Jas Athwal urged to step aside|last=|first=|date=7 October 2019|work=East London and West Essex Guardian|access-date=26 October 2019}}</ref> and called for due process<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/sam-tarry-ilford-south-selection-1-6336803|title=Sam Tarry wins Labour's Ilford South parliamentary selection contest|last=Braddick|first=Imogen|date=23 October 2019|work=The Ilford Recorder|access-date=26 October 2019}}</ref>. | ||
| In 2019 Athwal was elected Executive for Crime and Public Protection by the 33 leaders of London Councils<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/jas-athwal-appointed-crime-lead-london-councils-1-5900840|title=Redbridge Council leader appointed crime lead for London Councils|last=Walawalkar|first=Aaron|date=21 February 2019|work=Ilford Recorder|access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref>. | |||
| ⚫ | In 2019, Athwal was |
||
| == Political views == | == Political views == | ||
| Line 61: | Line 59: | ||
| A petition was signed by over 3000 residents after Athwal's majority group voted in favour of plans to build temporary accommodation on the sites of two green spaces in Hainault.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/petition-against-housing-homeless-hainault-1-5935442|title=Housing homeless in Hainault parks: 3,000-signature petition against plans handed to Downing Street|last=Walawalkar|first=Aaron|website=Ilford Recorder|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/politics/manford-way-hainault-campaigners-lose-legal-challenge-1-6191443|title='Devastated' campaigners lose legal battle to stop container homes being built on Hainault park|last=Braddick|first=Imogen|website=Ilford Recorder|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref> The plans were introduced in 2018 as a response to Redbridge Council's statutory duty to house 2,300 homeless households, a national reduction in local authority funding, and a consensus that the available hostel accommodation was unsuitable for families.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://moderngov.redbridge.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=267&MID=7692#AI77256|title=Minutes of Redbridge Council Cabinet Meeting|last=|first=|date=11 December 2018|website=London Borough of Redbridge|publication-date=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> Plans for both sites included preserving and developing the play areas and remaining green space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://moderngov.redbridge.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=77256|title=Appendices to agenda item 14, minutes of Redbridge Council Cabinet Meeting|last=|first=|date=11 December 2018|website=London Borough of Redbridge|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> | A petition was signed by over 3000 residents after Athwal's majority group voted in favour of plans to build temporary accommodation on the sites of two green spaces in Hainault.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/petition-against-housing-homeless-hainault-1-5935442|title=Housing homeless in Hainault parks: 3,000-signature petition against plans handed to Downing Street|last=Walawalkar|first=Aaron|website=Ilford Recorder|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/politics/manford-way-hainault-campaigners-lose-legal-challenge-1-6191443|title='Devastated' campaigners lose legal battle to stop container homes being built on Hainault park|last=Braddick|first=Imogen|website=Ilford Recorder|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref> The plans were introduced in 2018 as a response to Redbridge Council's statutory duty to house 2,300 homeless households, a national reduction in local authority funding, and a consensus that the available hostel accommodation was unsuitable for families.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://moderngov.redbridge.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=267&MID=7692#AI77256|title=Minutes of Redbridge Council Cabinet Meeting|last=|first=|date=11 December 2018|website=London Borough of Redbridge|publication-date=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> Plans for both sites included preserving and developing the play areas and remaining green space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://moderngov.redbridge.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=77256|title=Appendices to agenda item 14, minutes of Redbridge Council Cabinet Meeting|last=|first=|date=11 December 2018|website=London Borough of Redbridge|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> | ||
| In September 2019, Athwal was questioned for his involvement in the incident at the Seven Kings CLP nomination where allegedly fake voters were admitted. Before the voting actually took place, Athwal declared his victory on Twitter, sparking suspicion amongst Party members. Athwal failed to respond to comments and questions. In October 2019, Athwal was suspended from the Labour Party for allegations of sexual harassment. Athwal was also urged to step down as Council leader by numerous residents and other councillors. ] urged Athwal to stand down as leader until the matter of his disputed suspension from the Labour Party was resolved<ref name=":2" /> (see the 'Political career' section). | |||
| Defending Athwal's decision to block some local residents on social media, the Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council referred to incidents of abusive language and invited blocked residents to contact Councillors through existing official channels<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/17868891.leader-deputy-slammed-blocking-residents-social-media/|title=Council leaders respond after being slammed for blocking social media users|website=East London and West Essex Guardian Series|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref>. | |||
| In 2019 the leader of the Conservative opposition on ] urged Athwal to stand down as leader until the matter of his disputed suspension from the Labour Party was resolved<ref name=":2" /> (see the 'Political career' section). | |||
| == Personal life == | == Personal life == | ||
Revision as of 16:53, 27 October 2019
| CllrJas Athwal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader of Redbridge Borough Council | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 12 June 2014 | |
| Deputy | Wes Streeting 2014-2015 Elaine Norman 2015-2018 Kam Rai 2018- |
| Preceded by | Keith Prince |
| Labour Group Leader on Redbridge Council | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 11 October 2011 | |
| Deputy | Wes Streeting 2011-2015 Elaine Norman 2015-2018 Kam Rai 2018- |
| Preceded by | Bob Littlewood |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 1933 |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Labour |
| Residence(s) | Redbridge, London |
| Alma mater | London School of Economics |
| Occupation | Labour Party Member |
Jas Athwal, is a British Labour Party politician, businessman and company director currently serving as the Leader of Redbridge London Borough Council.
Early life
Athwal was born in Punjab, India and lived there until his family relocated to Ilford when he was seven years old. In Ilford, his mother worked at home sewing ties, while his father worked at a tin factory.
He attended Mayfield School in Ilford, before studying at the London School of Economics. Following his graduation, he worked in the computer security industry, before starting his own business running children's nurseries in Redbridge, London.
Political career
He was elected to lead the Labour Group on 11 October 2011, with 15 of the 21 votes from the Redbridge Council Labour Group, beating Cllrs Stuart Bellwood and Andy Walker. This followed a vote of no confidence in the previous leader, Cllr Bob Littlewood.
In the May 2014 borough elections, Athwal led the Redbridge Labour Party to its first ever majority on the Council, gaining 11 seats to give Labour a total of 35 of the 63 seats, and thus winning control from the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.
At the May 2018 borough elections, Athwal similarly led the Redbridge Labour Party to another victory, securing 51 of the 63 seats, and increasing its majority by 15. This left the Conservative opposition with 12 councillors and wiped out the Liberal Democrats from the borough altogether.
In September 2019, Athwal was criticised for failing to address the breaches in procedure at the Seven Kings Labour CLP nomination for Ilford South, Athwal declared his victory on Twitter before the actual voting took place, sparking suspicion amongst Party members who questioned his integrity. In October 2019, Athwal was suspended from the Labour Party for allegations of sexual harassment.". Athwal denied the allegations and called for due process.
Political views
Brexit
Athwal supports a People's Vote on any Brexit deal. He took part in the People's Vote march on 23 March 2019.
Refugee crisis
Athwal supported the Dubs amendment for unaccompanied children in Calais and personally visited the Calais 'jungle' refugee camp.
Council housing
Athwal supports council housing, having built the first new council houses in 10 years in Redbridge after taking control of the council in 2014. He has a target to build 1000 new affordable homes over the term of this administration in an effort to end homelessness in Redbridge.
Criticism
Athwal has been criticised for building of council housing and temporary accommodation in sites in the North of Redbridge, including green spaces in Hainault.
A petition was signed by over 3000 residents after Athwal's majority group voted in favour of plans to build temporary accommodation on the sites of two green spaces in Hainault. The plans were introduced in 2018 as a response to Redbridge Council's statutory duty to house 2,300 homeless households, a national reduction in local authority funding, and a consensus that the available hostel accommodation was unsuitable for families. Plans for both sites included preserving and developing the play areas and remaining green space.
In September 2019, Athwal was questioned for his involvement in the incident at the Seven Kings CLP nomination where allegedly fake voters were admitted. Before the voting actually took place, Athwal declared his victory on Twitter, sparking suspicion amongst Party members. Athwal failed to respond to comments and questions. In October 2019, Athwal was suspended from the Labour Party for allegations of sexual harassment. Athwal was also urged to step down as Council leader by numerous residents and other councillors. Redbridge Council urged Athwal to stand down as leader until the matter of his disputed suspension from the Labour Party was resolved (see the 'Political career' section).
Personal life
Athwal is married with four children and lives in Seven Kings, Ilford.
References
- ^ "About Jas". Jas Athwal. Retrieved 2019-09-12.
- "Councillor Jas Athwal". Redbridge Council. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- Curtis, Joe (12 Oct 2011). "REDBRIDGE: Labour elects new leader". East London & West Essex Guardian. Retrieved 2 May 2016.
- "Local elections: Labour wins control of Redbridge council for first time". Retrieved 2 May 2016.
- "2018 Redbridge London Borough Council election", Misplaced Pages, 2019-08-25, retrieved 2019-09-13
- Braddick, Harriet Line & Imogen. "Redbridge Council leader suspended from Labour Party over 'serious allegation'". Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
- "Council leader suspended over 'serious allegation'". 5 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
- Murphy, Simon (5 October 2019). "Labour reopens applications for safe seat after 'stitch-up' accusations". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
- ^ "Redbridge Council leader Jas Athwal urged to step aside". East London and West Essex Guardian. 7 October 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
- Braddick, Imogen (23 October 2019). "Sam Tarry wins Labour's Ilford South parliamentary selection contest". The Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
- @Jas_Athwal (May 26, 2019). "A strong night for @redbridgelabour" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- @JonjoMcMahon (Mar 23, 2019). "Phenomenal day" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- "Equality & Diversity". Jas Athwal. 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
- "New Homes for Residents". Retrieved 2019-09-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "Redbridge Council turning entrepreneur in effort 'to house our own'". Ilford Recorder.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - Walawalkar, Aaron. "Housing homeless in Hainault parks: 3,000-signature petition against plans handed to Downing Street". Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 2019-09-01.
- Braddick, Imogen. "'Devastated' campaigners lose legal battle to stop container homes being built on Hainault park". Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 2019-09-01.
- "Minutes of Redbridge Council Cabinet Meeting". London Borough of Redbridge. 11 December 2018.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "Appendices to agenda item 14, minutes of Redbridge Council Cabinet Meeting". London Borough of Redbridge. 11 December 2018.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)