Newham Labour PragRad "Pick of the Policies"

I arrived too late last night at Stratford Picture House for the "Pick of the Policies" competition due to
Tower Hamlets Pension committee.

But it had obviously been a great success. Lots of people still around who spoke about a lively and informative evening of political debate.

The Pragmatic Radical model was "Have you got a policy idea that you think Labour should adopt? If so come and pitch it, in just 90 seconds, at the Newham Top of the Policies event".

Newham MPs Lyn Brown and Steve Timms chaired and were time keepers. There were 16 pitches and the winner was West Ham, John Saunders, who spoke in favour of fixed terms for Council Executive Mayors!

Second was Aleen Alarice on "info Sharing" and joint third place was Alan Griffiths on "Housing"; Gavin Pearson on "profit from planning" and Newham UNISON NEC and West Ham CLP Kim Silver for the ending of Zero hour contracts.

Afterwards a group of us finished off the evening at the Pizza Express downstairs (see picture).

Who says politics can't be fun?

Many thanks for Julianne and Farah for organising this event. Hat tip Ayesha, Gordon and Seyi for pictures.

@PragRad: Newham Top of the Policies

"Have you got a policy idea that you think Labour should adopt? If so come and pitch it, in just 90 seconds, at the Newham Top of the Policies event.

When: 7pm for 7:30pm start, Thursday 19 September 2013
Where: Upstairs bar/cafe, Stratford Picture House, E15 1BX

What: Pitch your policy idea in 90 seconds, followed by 90 seconds of fast paced question from the audience. A vote at the end of the night will decide which is the Top Policy with a reward of much kudos, possibly a prize and the opportunity to write and article on your policy for Labour Uncut.
We've already had submissions to pitch a policy about housing, domestic violence, cycling and education (but we can have more than one policy on a topic).

Who: All Labour Party members and supporters are welcome whether they want to pitch, ask questions or just come along. Our MP Lyn Brown and Shadow Minister Stephen Timms MP will be chairing and time keeping.

Pragmatic Radicalism has held lively Top of the Policy events across the country where Parliamentarians listen to policies and ideas from members and activists. Some of the previous winning ideas include: supporting businesses that provide jobs for ex-offenders, valuations for private lettings, including enterprise in the curriculum and opening up government data to entrepreneurs.

We look forward to seeing you there. But please let us know if you want to pitch and idea (we need to do a ballot paper) or want to know more by emailing both Julianne on juliannemarriottATmeDOTcom and Farah on farah_nfwiATyahooDOTcom. Numbers are limited so RSVP and let them know if you are coming (and what CLP or affiliate you are from)". 

Hat tip West Ham CLP newsletter.