Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats

Merlene Emerson, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Hammersmith and Guest Blogger for Total Politics.com

Sunday 21 March

What a wonderful way to spend one's Sunday afternoon, cycling around Shepherds Bush visiting members and supporters willing to sign nomination papers for our Council candidates. I was assisting my Lib Dem colleagues in the split ward of Shepherds Bush Green, one of whom fell short of only 100 votes in 2006 to secure a Council seat. It is of course my secret hope (not so secret now) that come May 6th, residents will have one from each of the 3 major parties representing them in this ward which abuts the BBC and where you will find Westfield, Shepherds Bush market and some of the most diverse neighbourhoods.

Monday 22 March

I attended a most inspiring event at Portcullis House in the afternoon hosted by Aim Higher, the national programme to support social mobility amongst our young people. Met a couple of students who had graduated from Hammersmith College in my patch and who spoke eloquently of how the project had opened doorways for them. They, in turn, are now mentoring other students who are considering higher education at various London colleges. Some 150 schools are part of this collaborative partnership and I will certainly like to see this project continue as a little funding can go such a long way.

Tuesday 23 March

Spent a large part of the morning being interviewed by a journalist from BBC London on-line . In addition to the usual questions on what are the local issues in Hammersmith and what would I do as the next MP, I was asked how I can represent the Chinese community. I was keen to impress on her that the concept of the 'Chinese community' is something of a simplification. Many of us have originated from different countries and besides, second and third generation British Chinese will also have different aspirations from those of their parents. Having said that, I have been campaigning on different issues ranging from migrants rights to regulation of herbalists in the UK. I am also keen to encourage more young people and ethnic minority members to become more engaged in politics.

Wednesday 24 March

The Hammersmith & Fulham NHS board meeting was publicised as open to the public, and I found myself as an observer with 3 other members of the public. After initially struggling with the jargon and acronyms used, I did manage to glean some nuggets as to how the local PCT and NHS board govern their affairs. A third of the board have clinical background, a third management experience and the final third made up of local representatives. I should therefore not have been surprised to recognise one of the non executive board members as the mother of a class-mate of my 13 year old.

Targets and efficiency savings were overriding topics for discussion. I subsequently raised queries about the introduction of polyclinics and the impact on Hammersmith and Charing Cross hospitals but was then passed to their Head of Communications to be dealt with. I await his reply.

Thursday 25 March

Following swiftly from our first hustings at Imperial College a week ago, I had the chance to cross swords with my opposite numbers Andy Slaughter MP and Shaun Bailey again. This panel discussion was organised by Vision Radio, a new local community radio station run by Chike and his team. I must say I almost felt sorry for Shaun when he arrived late, wet from the rain and straight into a question on affordable housing in the borough. Whereas we have differed on many issues, on this both Andy and I were agreed, the local Tory Council is failing the 9000 households on waiting lists and many others living in overcrowded accommodation. Questions were also asked about our views on recent budget announcements and our top priorities for the borough. The guest interviewer, Victoria McNeil, then rounded off our round table chat with a nice light hearted question, asking about our favourite meal. If only politics could normally be delivered in such easily digested bite-sized pieces!

Friday 26 March

Almost the end of the week and I really have to catch up with my back log of emails and correspondence from residents and lobbyists. Over 50 organisations have written to ask for pledges and support for their causes, many straightforward such as fighting against global poverty or investment in cancer services, others requiring more considered replies. I have a resident who has accused the local Council of collecting illegal parking charges and others worried about evictions or being asked to transfer out of the borough. It is almost like being a practising lawyer again with case work to handle on top of the campaigning and lobbying.

Saturday 27 March

Rather than putting one's feet up for the weekend, this is the time to really wear out the soles and get those clip boards and canvass sheets out. I have in the meanwhile booked the services of London letterbox to help with distribution of literature for streets where we do not yet have established volunteer networks. I only have 8000 'tabloids' sitting in my hallway at the moment waiting to be bundled off!

Many constituents have complained that they have received an overwhelmingly larger amount of literature from the other parties and that I owe it to them to communicate Lib Dem views and policies. I have therefore taken this to heart which may be partly why I am writing this blog… However I do hope they will understand that I do not have a sugar daddy domiciled in Belize. Volunteers for help are most welcome, and I can be contacted via my website http://merlene.org.uk or via facebook.