I was very happy to attend the launch of the general election campaign in Lewisham West last Friday. As a former Lewisham resident and Labour Party activist in Deptford, I always enjoy returning to my old stamping ground.
Lewisham West MP Jim Dowd was very much in evidence – it is, after all, his election. I was especially pleased to see the Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock, an old friend I have known for rather more years than I care to remember.
The guest speaker, David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, put up a strong performance, as ever. It was particularly good to see David since, as Minister for Higher Education he is one of the members of the government I have worked with on a regular basis.
My thanks to Lewisham West Labour Party for their hospitality, and the very best of luck to Jim. I somehow think he will get back to the House of Commons without too much difficulty.
Lewisham West will be a particularly difficult seat to defend, especially with part of Bromley Borough included in it.
But I think that with a lot of careful canvassing Labour should do well.
People will have noticed Osbourne’s shallow performance last night.