Greenwich Council leader Anthony Okereke has described Labour's vision for the borough as "the most ambitious of any party" ahead of this week's local elections. Greenwich has been a Labour stronghold since 1971, and Okereke is seeking to maintain control when residents vote on Thursday.
Okereke, leading his first re-election campaign as council leader since 2022, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that he has enjoyed the campaign despite the challenge of balancing council leadership with campaigning. "It reminds you why you're doing it and what you're trying to achieve," he said. "Being able to go on a doorstep and say 'That is my plan,' and hearing positive responses—that's what you want when setting out a political vision."
Key Manifesto Promises
Labour's manifesto includes several major pledges, such as delivering 6,000 council, social rent, and low-rent homes over the next decade, and offering every child under 16 a £150 voucher to buy a bicycle. Okereke assured residents that all plans have been financially assessed by council officers and are fully costed and deliverable.
A YouGov poll predicts Labour will maintain control with 33 points, but the Green Party is expected to gain significantly with 26 points, potentially weakening Labour's majority on the 55-seat council. Okereke said, "I'm going in for the win. I haven't been paying much attention to polls. This manifesto is focused on real, tangible things—no empty promises."
Housing Focus
Housing is a key issue for Okereke, who still lives with his parents at age 36. He was named YIMBY of the Year at Labour's inaugural 'Brickies' awards in November. The manifesto commits to 6,000 affordable homes over ten years, a target Okereke says is achievable and not "plucked out of the air."
To address concerns about HMOs reducing family homes, Labour proposes a two-pronged approach: planning measures to cap HMO numbers per area and licensing enforcement with fines up to £40,000 for rogue landlords.
Bike Voucher Scheme
The £150 bike voucher for under-16s aims to promote activity and help with cost of living. Okereke denied it was a gimmick, noting similar past schemes like E-bike loans. The vouchers would be funded entirely by developer contributions, not council tax. When asked if funds could restore staffed adventure play centres (APCs), he explained that APC cuts were needed for a balanced budget, while vouchers are a one-off capital payment.
Other Policies
Labour also pledges to double Community Enforcement Officers, create England's first integrated health and social care service, and deliver 2,000 EV chargers. Okereke highlighted achievements like Woolwich Waves leisure centre and 1,750 sustainable homes.
Controversial Decisions
Okereke defended recent changes limiting public questions to 100 words and councillor questions to two per meeting, calling it "getting democracy right" rather than an attack on democratic rights. He said longer meetings hindered council business. The council faces a projected £101m budget deficit by 2029/30, requiring "bold decisions" to balance books.
