Don’t kill of our East End communities, Boundaries Commission is urged

Labour Opposition councillors have today urged the Boundary Commission to respect the natural communities already living in London’s East End in their submission for new council ward boundaries.

Their call comes following today’s deadline for submissions to the Commission redrawing boundaries which will be used for future Tower Hamlets council elections.

They have criticised the independent Mayor for his submission in a previous consultation which led to proposals to cut the number of elected councillors from 51 to 45 in what they see as a deprived area with a rocketing population.

Labour Group Leader Joshua Peck said: “The Commission must recognise the historical and social bonds which unite our communities that should be retained.

“The Mayor’s proposal to reduce councillors was a shamefully-political attempt to reduce scrutiny which is not in the interests of the community.

“It’s not the time to cut the support people get from elected representatives.”

Labour maintains that the East End’s rising population and diverse nature mean that casework loads are increasing, while cutting Town Hall representation would reduce councillors’ ability to stand up for people’s rights.