Campaigning in Islington with James Purnell

I WAS out in Islington today helping Labour’s St. George’s ward candidates Alex Smith, Jessica Asato and Gary Heather collect signatures for the campaign to save the Whittington Hospital and its A&E department.

The response on the doorstep was really positive, with many residents - regardless of political affiliation - signing the petition. In terms of voter ID-ing, again, the response was very encouraging, a lot of Labour supporters, nothing like the portents of doom portrayed by pessimistic bloggers and the national media.

Among the fellow canvassers was man-of-the-moment James Purnell, one-time Islington councillor and until recently resident in the borough, who announced he was standing down from parliament yesterday. It was great to see him!

Also out, in addition to James and the candidates, were Tollington ward councillor Richard Watts, Lucy Openshaw, Anna Turley and Anthony Painter - described by AP as a New Labour “campaigning dream team”.

I couldn’t agree more! :)

Next Saturday, the campaign to save the Whittington steps up a gear with a midday demonstration from Highbury Corner to the hospital with Islington Labour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Emily Thornberry.

For more information check out these links:

• Save the Whittington Hospital Campaign website
• Alex and Jess’s St George’s Labour Party blog