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 MAYOR OF LONDON
AND LONDON ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2008

At the November 2007 meeting of the Diocesan Synod the following resolution was passed on the issue of political parties representing the ‘Far Right’.

“The Bishops and Synod of the Diocese of Southwark call upon the parishes and people of the diocese to take an active part in the election for the Mayor of London and the London Assembly in 2008.

Church members are reminded of the value of casting their votes, not least because this would reduce the proportion of votes going to parties which promote racist policies incompatible with Christian discipleship. This Synod agrees that it be circulated to all parishes and for it to be shared ecumenically in advance of the London Assembly and Mayoral Elections in May 2008.

The parishes and people are urged to work with ecumenical partners to promote Christian teachings and values in all political dialogue and in particular;

• To ensure that respect for all people is part of the contribution made by parishes to local dialogue
• To ensure that respect for all people requires equality and justice for all people
• To ensure that where parishes make their buildings available for hustings meeting that any party advocating racist policies are not invited nor permitted to take part in the meeting
• To ensure that no literature or promotional material from any political party which advocates racist policies is permitted in any parish building nor placed on any parish notice board
• To co-operate with other groups and organisations working towards these goals”.

28 April 2008 

Mayor of London and London Assembly Elections

The elections of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly on May 1^st are an important element in the civic life of the City. The media emphasis on the election of the Mayor is understandable because who ever wins holds one of the most important political posts in the United Kingdom.

The election of Assembly members is important because they represent local communities and are responsible for holding the Mayor to account for his policies.

In preparation for May 1^st we want to encourage all Christian people to use their vote. The members elected will make an important contribution to the life of all Londoners over the next four years.

In this election the British National Party (BNP) are hoping to win seats on the Assembly. It is important that all Christians seek to ensure that this does not happen because it is opposed to a multi cultural society that makes London a vibrant City

The BNP its constitution states that it “stands for the preservation of the national and ethnic character of the British people and is wholly opposed to any form of racial integration between British and non- European peoples”.

In many communities people from a minority ethnic background fear the presence of BNP supporters, particularly when they appear in large numbers on the streets.

At the meeting of the Diocesan Synod in November 2007 a resolution was passed calling on parishes to work with others in combating ‘Far Right Political Parties’. A leaflet on the elections and racist parties was issued at the end of March to all parishes, and copies are available on the diocesan web site (here) or from terry.drummond@southwark.anglican.org

The electoral system for the Mayor of London and the Assembly makes the election of BNP members a possibility. This is because fourteen seats are elected on the first-past-the-post system representing specific geographical constituencies. The other eleven seats are determined on a London-wide basis by proportional representation.

For these eleven seats any party or independent candidate securing less than 5% of the vote is eliminated. Any political party which secures 5% of the vote automatically wins a seat.

In the 2004 elections the British National Party came very close with 4.8% of the vote. They fell short by 5000 votes, and were therefore eliminated. The BNP has improved its position in London since then, gaining 12 councillors in Barking and Dagenham, and one each in Havering and Redbridge.

In order to raise the threshold that has to be reached to secure a London-wide seat more electors have to register and more registered electors need to vote for other political parties.

The future of London government is important for all of us and the contribution of Assembly Members will have a real impact on London for the next four years. Please encourage your parishioners to vote on May 1^st and in particular make them aware of the issues associated with the possibility of the BNP winning seats.

With best wishes

Yours sincerely

Terry Drummond                                     Delbert Sandiford
Chair Social Responsibility and                Executive Officer MEAC
Regeneration Working Group

Diocesan Communications Officer
Tel: 020-7939 9400
Mobile: 07831-694021
Fax: 020-7939 9468