Last Thursday saw the double by-election in Downham, and I’m delighted to say that my two new colleagues are Lib Dems Jenni Clutten and Duwayne Brooks.   Both of them will make fantastic councillors and I’m looking forward to their contributions to the Council and the Lib Dem Group.

My pleasure at the result on Thursday was marred by the manner in which the Labour Party conducted themselves throughout the election.   I don’t normally make party political points on this site, but like others, I think everyone should be aware of what’s gone on in Downham over the last few weeks.

Having run Lewisham Council for over 35 years, you might have thought Labour would fight an election campaign based on what they’ve done in power and what they’d like to do if the electorate let them stay in power.  You’d be wrong.  According to the Labour Party, the election in Downham was a ‘referendum on getting our flag over the town hall and sending a message to the softies who are ashamed of our union jack’ .

Duwayne and Jenni took the view that there were far more important issues to discuss – like housing, crime and the state of the economy.   In an election where there was a BNP candidate, we felt it was better to discuss real issues rather than descend to that level.   For the record, I have no problem with the Union Flag – but I do have an issue with dog-whistle politics.  The BNP are best taken on by addressing people’s real concerns – which in my experience on the doorstep in Downham had more to do with housing and crime than the fact that Sir Steve Bullock hasn’t got round to flying the Union Flag from the Town Hall.

Dave Hill from the Guardian has been discussing this here and here.