The news keeps getting better -
@JSmallEdwards
takes West Central in the GLA. The first time EVER
@LondonLabour
has won this seat.
James will be a brilliant assembly member for our area and a much needed positive change.
I am delighted to have been selected as Labour's parliamentary candidate for Kensington at the next election. A huge thanks to all the local members who supported our positive campaign for change in Kensington. We desperately need a Labour government, and that means winning here.
Our country, and our Kensington - where I am proud to live - desperately need change.
I've spent 20 years fighting poverty and corruption in West London and around the world, delivering real change.
Today, I’m standing to win back Kensington for Labour.
Welcome back to Kensington
@RishiSunak
- where LSE found more than one in 10 adults are using non-dom status to pay less tax. Time to scrap this archaic measure and ensure those at the top pay their fair share at a time when so many are struggling
Important reminder for all
#OGPGeorgia
session organisers: "No all-male panels will be permitted at the summit, even if it is due to last minute cancellations in your speaker line up. It is the responsibility of session organizers to find alternative speakers."
@opengovpart
Throughout this
#OGPCanada
so far I’ve really missed my friend
@aeyakuze
despite his appearances by video. He should be here, and the fact he’s not is just the tip of the iceberg of so many attacks on civil society happening globally right now. This summit must lead the push back
Today a diverse local coalition is launching Kensington Against Dirty Money - to say enough is enough to dirty money in our borough, and to tackle our housing crisis. Join the campaign here
#NoMoreDirtyMoney
Congratulations to Argentina, France, Nigeria and Romania who have been elected to three year terms on the
@opengovpart
Steering Committee starting October 1
The renewed focus on dirty money in London is long overdue. It's a security threat, it undermines those pushing for democracy in places like Kazakhstan, but it also has a terrible impact on communities like Kensington where inequality is sky high
It’s sad sign of the times that a government of a country like Tanzania - with such a rich history of progressive thinking - would try to stifle an independent thinker like
@aeyakuze
Fantastic to have
@UKLabour
legend Neil Kinnock with us this morning campaigning in St Helens in North Kensington for
@SadiqKhan
@JSmallEdwards
and the General Election later this year.
In today's
@FinancialTimes
letters I suggest how the Biden Democracy Summit - if designed in a modern, participatory way - can boost civil society around the world, + tackle corruption + digital disinformation which has done so much to undermine democracy
Eight years after
@BarackObama
founded
@opengovpart
it was an honour to bring eight activists together to discuss the hard work of reforming government and giving citizens a voice, and
@ObamaFoundation
work in supporting young leaders around the world
This week is 10 years since
@BarackObama
launched
@opengovpart
- it's been a rollercoaster ride with incredible bright spots and impact, despite a tough decade for democracy. Today, it's worth celebrating the amazing, resilient
#opengov
community
#OGP10
Fantastic turnout today and an incredibly positive response in St Helens from voters desperate for change. Thanks to
@GMBPoliticsLDN
@jamesmurray_ldn
and
@LondonLabour
for all your support. Together we can win back Kensington and change the government.
It's been an honour to work with
@brhodes
and the Obama team to fight for a better version of democracy that is less corrupt, more inclusive and rebuilds trust in politics. If selected for Labour in Kensington, that is what I'll stand up for in parliament.
Excellent first canvassing session this morning as Labour's candidate for Kensington at the next election.
It's clear in Holland ward and across our constituency that people want change.
Canada remains deeply concerned for the security and safety of
@mariaressa
in the
#Philippines
. The harassment and intimidation of journalists have no place in democracy. We call for due process to be respected and stand with all journalists working in defence of the truth.
Proud to be backing
@SadiqKhan
for Mayor - a man who knows diversity is London’s strength, not something to be feared, and who will stand up for our great city against those that seek to divide it. The choice on May 2nd couldn’t be starker.
The stakes couldn’t be higher at the Mayoral election on May 2nd.
Once again, it will be a choice between hope or fear. Between unity or division. Between going forward with Labour, or back with the Tories.
Good to speak at
@LondonLabour
#LonLab24
Very excited to join this amazing group of
#ObamaLeaders
across Europe - look forward to working with them to make our democracies stronger, more resilient and more responsive to citizens at a time when the threats to democracy are acute, but the opportunities are huge
As our newest program,
#ObamaLeaders
: Europe will virtually connect innovative and ethical changemakers from communities across the region. Meet the cohort of leaders who will support each other as they develop tangible solutions to create a better world:
10th anniversary
@opengovpart
Summit dates are now live - December 13-17 in Seoul, online, or most likely a hybrid! South Korea is a major champion for democracy and open gov. Time to turn the tide on the decade plus of democratic backsliding
Big day for the Kensington Against Dirty Money campaign today with our live launch outside Thornwood Gardens, where the family of the President of Azerbaijan own three properties purchased via shell companies as revealed by
@OCCRP
Antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in British politics. I am disgusted that an anonymous account has sent a racist email to some Labour Party members in Kensington seeking to smear a fellow candidate in our selection process. I have asked for a full investigation. (1/2)
The new Netherlands Open Government plan is out - open justice, open algorithms, political party financing reform, new forms of civic participation, open contracting, proactive disclosure and more - well worth reading
@OpenStateEU
@MarietjeSchaake
When you read the
@anticorruption
Corruption Perceptions Index crucially important to keep this in mind - many of the countries with high rankings are enablers of corruption globally through opaque corporate structures, bribery and poor enforcement
.
@opengovpart
Summits are always co-created with civil society leaders, Ministers, officials, academics, and the
#opengov
community around the world - here is your chance to pitch for space at
#OGPCanada
It's been a week since the Home Secretary called homelessness a "lifestyle choice". Our Kensington MP is the Minister for Homelessness and still hasn't said if she agrees with Suella Braverman. I've written to Felicity Buchan asking her to urgently clarify the govt's position.
We have now collected over 60 crowd-sourced examples from the
@opengovpart
community of ways in which to help tackle the pandemic using citizen participation, transparency and digital solutions which respect privacy. Add yours here:
An honour to be long-listed to be Labour's candidate at the next election in my home seat of Kensington.
The real campaign starts now. Please get in touch to talk about how we change Kensington together - and win this seat back at the next election.
.
@opengovpart
we have published our new 2020-22 plan with a vision of governments becoming sustainably more transparent, more accountable + more responsive to their own citizens, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of public policies + services
An honour to have been shortlisted for my home constituency of Kensington.
We need change in Kensington - and to play our part in electing a Labour government.
Get in touch to arrange a chat: or joepowellkensington
@gmail
.com
A great afternoon with
@SadiqKhan
@KarenPBuckMP
@JSmallEdwards
and our brilliant team chatting to residents in North Kensington about the change they want to see locally and nationally with a
@UKLabour
government and City Hall.
Very good to meet with Estonia Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop today to discuss the
@opengovpart
Summit in Tallinn in September, standing up for democracy, supporting Ukraine and building a stronger global movement for open government
@EstonianGovt
2024 is the year we finally get to vote for change after 14 years of failed Tory Government. Great to be out with so many people in Notting Dale today listening to residents and talking about
@UKLabour
plans.
After two great by-election victories on Thursday we had a brilliant group talking with residents in Abingdon today with
@leicesterliz
and
@hilarybennmp
- in Kensington & Bayswater and across the country people are desperate for the change a
@UKLabour
government will bring.
.
@INAImexico
is one of the world's leading agencies for transparency and open government - really looking forward to reiterating
@opengovpart
support for their vital role in Mexico at this week's summit. Will be speaking at 10am EST/9am CDT on Wednesday
#CumbreGobiernoAbierto
Lovely day chatting with residents in North Kensington. The Tories broken promise to rebuild St Mary’s - and upgrade Hammersmith and Charing Cross hospitals - by 2030 coming up time and again. A
@UKLabour
government will get the NHS back on its feet and bring down waiting lists.
I'm proud to have the support of Lia Williams - who played the company CEO in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and helped expose the scandal.
From dodgy Covid contracts, to lobbying scandals and the treatment of the subpostmasters, this Government has totally failed to tackle…
Excellent canvassing session in Norland ward today. So many voters fed up of 13 years of Conservative government and ready to switch to
@UKLabour
for a real plan on the NHS, housing and the economy.
Amazing to see a packed room to discuss feminist open government today - hoping to see the great conversations at
#OGPCanada
translate into country action in year ahead
#BreaktheRoles
Brilliant
@SadiqKhan
campaign launch today just over the road from North Ken with
@Keir_Starmer
and the fantastic
@LondonLabour
team. From free school meals to cleaner air Sadiq has achieved so much in the past 8 years - imagine what he could do with Labour in power nationally.
.
@opengovpart
we're starting an effort to collect examples of effective use of transparency, public participation and accountability to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. While these values are often threatened in times of crisis, they can really help outcomes
Kensington Against Dirty Money campaigners met with
@FelicityBuchan
this morning to push for speedy, strong new economic crime legislation to tackle corruption and money laundering in our borough.
Delighted to have support of
@GMB_union
in Kensington -
@GMBPoliticsLDN
have shown the way in campaigning and organising for thousands of people across our area, including those fighting for rights in insecure work, and supporting our local campaigns on housing and dirty money
Fantastic team out in Golborne today with
@PutneyFleur
talking with residents about the change Labour will bring to Kensington & Bayswater and to the country. An election cannot come soon enough.
Open government is a tool to help increase access to justice, and without access to justice there is no open government. 28
@opengovpart
justice reform commitments were made in 2018, and in 2019 we have an opportunity to do even better
#JusticeForAll
A major new opportunity for local/subnational governments around the world to join the
@opengovpart
community - transparent, accountable and participatory govt at local and national level can build trust and improve life for citizens
We had a very productive time chatting to voters around Holland Park and Norland today. A lot of anger at the government for mismanaging our health service and the economy. It's time for change with
@UKLabour
Great meeting residents in Norland today and discussing Labour’s plans for the economy and a
#newdeal
for working people with
@PutneyFleur
. Banning zero hours contracts, an end to fire and rehire, better rights at work, and a genuine living wage would all help make work pay.
This is a big deal for Londoners -
@SadiqKhan
will make free school meals at state primary schools permanent, supporting all children to have the best start in life - especially after the huge rise in food prices in recent years.
Today I launch my manifesto, guided by my defining mission to make London the greatest city in the world to grow up in.
Starting with this promise: if I’m re-elected on 2 May I’ll make free school meals permanent for all state primary pupils in London.
A busy time ahead for global summits, with many focused on strengthening democracy + anti-corruption cooperation. Question is how to make the most of these opportunities + show importance of governance to recovery/renewal? Read
@abigail_bellows
thoughts:
Excellent conversations with voters in Pembridge today. The state of the economy, public services, tax dodging and lack of government integrity all high on the agenda as people look to
@UKLabour
for change.
DFID's new Transparency Strategy is published today. Happy to see strong emphasis on UK leadership both domestically + internationally - and focus on emerging global standards on open contracts, budgets, aid and company ownership
We’ll be pitching
@opengovpart
as a platform for agile multilateralism to push back on closing civic space and stand up for openness and democracy. 1330 in the main hall of
@ParisPeaceForum
- we would love to hear from all of the
#StandForPeace
partners here!
The access to justice community +
@opengovpart
are building a coalition to support concrete justice reforms - great progress at
#justiceforum19
inc with Sierra Leone, Argentina, Canada + Netherlands govts, and civil society partners like
@GlobalNamati
and
@InnoJustice
Join next Friday to discuss how a Summit for Democracy can help reverse recent negative trends, and spark a renaissance of democracy that is more inclusive, participatory + delivers results for people. Tanzania will be a fascinating example to learn from
@MariaSTsehai
Zero excuses for leaders of US, UK, Canada etc not to agree most generous refugee programme for a generation, massively intensify evacuations, and to both focus on interpreters and employees AND all of Afghan civil society under huge threat. We owe them that at very least.
.
@opengovpart
+
@EITIorg
have signed a comprehensive MoU to work on supporting reformers opening up their extractives sector around the world, and advance policies like beneficial ownership, contract transparency + more
Incredibly proud to have the backing of former Labour leader Neil Kinnock. Neil and Glenys embody and share my values of equality, human rights, internationalism and a pro-European approach to politics that is what residents in Kensington have told me they want from their MP.
A great team out in Bayswater this morning listening to residents. At the next election Bayswater and Lancaster Gate join Kensington due to boundary changes. Only a vote for
@UKLabour
in the new seat can defeat the Tories and help change the government.
We need to Save the NHS in Kensington & Bayswater. Labour’s plan will get the NHS back on its feet with 2 million additional appointments a year to cut waiting lists. I’ve also been making the case for the desperately needed rebuild at St Mary’s and repairs at our local hospitals
New research from
@LSEInequalities
shows over 1 in 10 adults in Kensington are non-doms paying no UK tax on offshore income. We have to question why this status exists and who benefits? New Kensington Against Dirty Money statement
@Annaisaac
@jimmy_wales
Solidarity with Ukraine + against Putin’s unprovoked war - an assault on open, democratic values that has to be resisted. In Kensington that means mobilising against dirty money + oligarch owned luxury property that pollutes our borough. Get in touch to join the campaign.
Parking wardens in Kensington do a tough job for low pay -
@RBKC
and contractor NSL need to get round the table and make a fair pay offer as soon as possible. It was good to meet with many of the workforce this morning today and listen to their concerns.
Most international summits result in warm words, but no follow through. It's welcome
@EmmanuelMacron
+
@G7
are committed to advancing gender equality - so let's make it meaningful.
@FredRoder
@ONECampaign
and I suggest how based on
@opengovpart
experience
.
@opengovpart
team met today with President Bio of Sierra Leone - the new government is committed to using
#opengov
as a tool to help deliver manifesto promises on education, anti-corruption and economic growth
.
@margarethodge
and I in
@LabourList
- "Kensington is fighting back – and now we need others to follow...Imagine local anti-dirty money coalitions across London and the country to make sure local MPs truly represent their constituents’ views on this issue"
Delighted to get the nomination of my home Northeast Kensington branch tonight - thanks to Golborne, Colville and Pembridge wards for getting behind our campaign for change in Kensington
After several years of discussion, very happy we have been able to soft launch a new Trust Fund to support
@opengovpart
govts + CSOs on the frontlines of opening up their countries. Details 👇
OGP is thrilled to announce - in collaboration with
@wbg_gov
- the soft launch of our new OGP Trust Fund. Deputy CEO
@josephpowell
tells us more about the purpose and design of the fund here:
As with the dozens of canvassing sessions we’ve done in Norland in the past 18 months residents are hungry for change - and the May 2nd council by-election is a great opportunity to do that and elect the excellent
@pressmonica16
- only Labour can beat the Tories here.
Exclusive: The World's 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government 2018
Congratulations to the digital leaders who are transforming government — and citizens' lives.
Check out the full list here:
Urgent need to follow the Covid-19 money, from multilateral financing, national budgets to local spending and infrastructure. Effective stimulus will be open stimulus.