Cllr Marc Francis
@cllrmarcfrancis.bsky.social
Labour Party councillor for Bow East ward in Tower Hamlets
The auditor's report reveals further governance failings at Tower Hamlets Council under Mayor Lutfur Rahman's leadership. It agrees with some of the key criticisms Labour cllrs have been making at the Audit Committee for years. No wonder it was withheld from cllrs for 4 months + then published late
Tonight's Audit Committee will consider Tower Hamlets Council's response to an interim Value for Money report by its external auditors. As well as updating on the progress or otherwise in addressing four previous 'statutory recommendations', it identifies six more areas of "significant weakness"
December 4, 2025 at 10:40 AM
The auditor's report reveals further governance failings at Tower Hamlets Council under Mayor Lutfur Rahman's leadership. It agrees with some of the key criticisms Labour cllrs have been making at the Audit Committee for years. No wonder it was withheld from cllrs for 4 months + then published late
Tonight's Audit Committee will consider Tower Hamlets Council's response to an interim Value for Money report by its external auditors. As well as updating on the progress or otherwise in addressing four previous 'statutory recommendations', it identifies six more areas of "significant weakness"
December 3, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Tonight's Audit Committee will consider Tower Hamlets Council's response to an interim Value for Money report by its external auditors. As well as updating on the progress or otherwise in addressing four previous 'statutory recommendations', it identifies six more areas of "significant weakness"
Reposted by Cllr Marc Francis
There's something mesmerising about Badenoch's combination of supreme intellectual confidence and "Jesus? Didn't he play for Real Madrid?" command of detail.
It's like somebody spliced the certainty of Margaret Thatcher with the work ethic of Boris Johnson.
It's like somebody spliced the certainty of Margaret Thatcher with the work ethic of Boris Johnson.
November 28, 2025 at 8:53 PM
There's something mesmerising about Badenoch's combination of supreme intellectual confidence and "Jesus? Didn't he play for Real Madrid?" command of detail.
It's like somebody spliced the certainty of Margaret Thatcher with the work ethic of Boris Johnson.
It's like somebody spliced the certainty of Margaret Thatcher with the work ethic of Boris Johnson.
Great to see the Bow Neighbourhood Forum launch this e-petition against Mayor Lutfur Rahman’s plan to allow a “more permissive” approach to new tall buildings across most of Tower Hamlets. Please support it and share amongst your TH friends/neighbours. democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk/mgEPetitionD...
democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk
November 28, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Great to see the Bow Neighbourhood Forum launch this e-petition against Mayor Lutfur Rahman’s plan to allow a “more permissive” approach to new tall buildings across most of Tower Hamlets. Please support it and share amongst your TH friends/neighbours. democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk/mgEPetitionD...
Reposted by Cllr Marc Francis
If the Government repeals the 2 child cap, not only is it an argument that they can win, but it's one that aligns with why people vote Labour. Headline support/oppose polling can obscure the ability to win an argument on this. My piece for @trusselluk.bsky.social www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-res...
Britons and the two-child limit | Trussell
Luke Tryl, Executive Director of More in Common, explains why lifting the two-child limit can help Labour to build public support.
www.trussell.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 11:38 AM
If the Government repeals the 2 child cap, not only is it an argument that they can win, but it's one that aligns with why people vote Labour. Headline support/oppose polling can obscure the ability to win an argument on this. My piece for @trusselluk.bsky.social www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-res...
The application at Development Committee this Thursday is for the redevelopment of the Genesis cinema on Mile End Road. The proposal is for 290 rooms of student accommodation + a new smaller cinema around 1/2 the size. Planning Officers are recommending refusal but it is for the committee to decide
November 25, 2025 at 9:53 AM
The application at Development Committee this Thursday is for the redevelopment of the Genesis cinema on Mile End Road. The proposal is for 290 rooms of student accommodation + a new smaller cinema around 1/2 the size. Planning Officers are recommending refusal but it is for the committee to decide
Have been speaking to yet another group of Sanctuary (Swan) Housing tenants whose lift has been out for months. Have raised it with the Chief Executive, but it would be good to think the Social Housing Regulator who got tenants into this mess is challenging Sanctuary over this terrible service too
November 24, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Have been speaking to yet another group of Sanctuary (Swan) Housing tenants whose lift has been out for months. Have raised it with the Chief Executive, but it would be good to think the Social Housing Regulator who got tenants into this mess is challenging Sanctuary over this terrible service too
Tonight Tower Hamlets Labour cllrs will oppose Mayor Lutfur Rahman's plans to allow an even more permissive approach to tall buildings across Tower Hamlets. As well as compromising the historic character of the East End, this plan will result in thousands more residents losing sunlight + daylight
November 19, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Tonight Tower Hamlets Labour cllrs will oppose Mayor Lutfur Rahman's plans to allow an even more permissive approach to tall buildings across Tower Hamlets. As well as compromising the historic character of the East End, this plan will result in thousands more residents losing sunlight + daylight
As well as demanding action to improve housing services, Tower Hamlets Labour cllrs also have a motion calling for democratic oversight of the Parking & Mobility Service. Many disabled residents are struggling to have their Blue Badges renewed + the intro of estate parking restrictions is chaotic
November 18, 2025 at 2:53 PM
As well as demanding action to improve housing services, Tower Hamlets Labour cllrs also have a motion calling for democratic oversight of the Parking & Mobility Service. Many disabled residents are struggling to have their Blue Badges renewed + the intro of estate parking restrictions is chaotic
At Wednesday's Full Council Tower Hamlets Labour councillors will put foward a motion on the Regulator's downgrade of Tower Hamlets Council's Housing Directorate and its current performance. We urge Aspire cllrs to accept the direct accountability needed to improve services to tenants + leaseholders
November 17, 2025 at 7:33 PM
At Wednesday's Full Council Tower Hamlets Labour councillors will put foward a motion on the Regulator's downgrade of Tower Hamlets Council's Housing Directorate and its current performance. We urge Aspire cllrs to accept the direct accountability needed to improve services to tenants + leaseholders
Interesting story here for Tower Hamlets folks. Given recent events, it would be no surprise if ministers want a update whether there is any real progress towards fixing the serious governance failings in the Town Hall under Mayor Rahman + his Aspire Party cllrs www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Steve Reed convenes Tower Hamlets envoys as concerns over council persist
Exclusive: Communities secretary calls meeting over two councillors seeking electoral candidacy in Bangladesh
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Interesting story here for Tower Hamlets folks. Given recent events, it would be no surprise if ministers want a update whether there is any real progress towards fixing the serious governance failings in the Town Hall under Mayor Rahman + his Aspire Party cllrs www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Cllr Marc Francis
This week marks a year since the independent 'Best Value' inspection report on Tower Hamlets Council under Mayor Lutfur Rahman was published. The extensive governance failings and "culture of patronage" it revealed led the Govt to send in a team to oversee LBTH. Here's a reminder of the conclusions
November 10, 2025 at 1:09 PM
This week marks a year since the independent 'Best Value' inspection report on Tower Hamlets Council under Mayor Lutfur Rahman was published. The extensive governance failings and "culture of patronage" it revealed led the Govt to send in a team to oversee LBTH. Here's a reminder of the conclusions
Was privileged to join the Speaker Suluk Ahmed and the Lord Lieutenant in laying a Remembrance wreath on behalf of Tower Hamlets Labour councillors. We should never forget the sacrifices our grandparents' generation made to secure the freedom we enjoy today and which our Armed Forces still protect
November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Was privileged to join the Speaker Suluk Ahmed and the Lord Lieutenant in laying a Remembrance wreath on behalf of Tower Hamlets Labour councillors. We should never forget the sacrifices our grandparents' generation made to secure the freedom we enjoy today and which our Armed Forces still protect
This morning we will stand in silence to remember those who have lost their lives in service of our nation. Here in Tower Hamlets that includes 1,022 soldiers killed serving with the Poplar & Stepney Rifles in First World War, including at Battles of Loos, Aubers, the Somme, Bourlon Wood + Messines
November 11, 2025 at 9:50 AM
This morning we will stand in silence to remember those who have lost their lives in service of our nation. Here in Tower Hamlets that includes 1,022 soldiers killed serving with the Poplar & Stepney Rifles in First World War, including at Battles of Loos, Aubers, the Somme, Bourlon Wood + Messines
This week marks a year since the independent 'Best Value' inspection report on Tower Hamlets Council under Mayor Lutfur Rahman was published. The extensive governance failings and "culture of patronage" it revealed led the Govt to send in a team to oversee LBTH. Here's a reminder of the conclusions
November 10, 2025 at 1:09 PM
This week marks a year since the independent 'Best Value' inspection report on Tower Hamlets Council under Mayor Lutfur Rahman was published. The extensive governance failings and "culture of patronage" it revealed led the Govt to send in a team to oversee LBTH. Here's a reminder of the conclusions
Great to visit @bowarts.bsky.social yesterday and hear about its future plans. As well as providing affordable studio space for thousands of artists over the past 30 years, Marcel and the team have helped thousands of local youngsters to develop their own talent. LBTH should do more to support it
November 7, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Great to visit @bowarts.bsky.social yesterday and hear about its future plans. As well as providing affordable studio space for thousands of artists over the past 30 years, Marcel and the team have helped thousands of local youngsters to develop their own talent. LBTH should do more to support it
Great decision by Tower Hamlets Labour's Cllr Siraj Islam. The Bonfire Night fireworks were the upside to local residents of disruption from commercial events in Victoria Park. To have events, but no fireworks was wrong. Tower Hamlets Council should do more like this to strengthen community cohesion
November 5, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Great decision by Tower Hamlets Labour's Cllr Siraj Islam. The Bonfire Night fireworks were the upside to local residents of disruption from commercial events in Victoria Park. To have events, but no fireworks was wrong. Tower Hamlets Council should do more like this to strengthen community cohesion
Thanks @cllrasmaislam.bsky.social for raising tenants' concerns about Sanctuary Housing's five-month delay in repairing their lift at Housing Scrutiny last night. In the context of this performance data, simply telling tenants to complain isn't good enough. Tower Hamlets Council must do more to help
This info on social landlords' performance for yesterday's Housing Scrutiny Committee might not be the whole story around complaints, but it is still very revealing. To have 5% of your tenants complain in a three-month period is inexcusable. Also note, Clarion and THCH/Hyde are AWOL from this list
November 4, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Thanks @cllrasmaislam.bsky.social for raising tenants' concerns about Sanctuary Housing's five-month delay in repairing their lift at Housing Scrutiny last night. In the context of this performance data, simply telling tenants to complain isn't good enough. Tower Hamlets Council must do more to help
This info on social landlords' performance for yesterday's Housing Scrutiny Committee might not be the whole story around complaints, but it is still very revealing. To have 5% of your tenants complain in a three-month period is inexcusable. Also note, Clarion and THCH/Hyde are AWOL from this list
November 4, 2025 at 7:52 AM
This info on social landlords' performance for yesterday's Housing Scrutiny Committee might not be the whole story around complaints, but it is still very revealing. To have 5% of your tenants complain in a three-month period is inexcusable. Also note, Clarion and THCH/Hyde are AWOL from this list
Its now a year since the independent Best Value inspection of Tower Hamlets Council revealed serious failings in its governance. This devastating indictment of the way Mayor Rahman runs it should have been a wake up call. Instead, we've had the pretence of action while Aspire's behaviour gets worse
November 1, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Its now a year since the independent Best Value inspection of Tower Hamlets Council revealed serious failings in its governance. This devastating indictment of the way Mayor Rahman runs it should have been a wake up call. Instead, we've had the pretence of action while Aspire's behaviour gets worse
Reposted by Cllr Marc Francis
If the Gvmt doesn't act now, they're on track to preside over the sharpest increase in child poverty by any Labour Gvmt in the last 60 years.
Read 'No half measures' now, to learn more about what it will take to set child poverty on a downward course at the Autumn Budget ⤵️ buff.ly/qVc9CWs
Read 'No half measures' now, to learn more about what it will take to set child poverty on a downward course at the Autumn Budget ⤵️ buff.ly/qVc9CWs
October 31, 2025 at 12:31 PM
If the Gvmt doesn't act now, they're on track to preside over the sharpest increase in child poverty by any Labour Gvmt in the last 60 years.
Read 'No half measures' now, to learn more about what it will take to set child poverty on a downward course at the Autumn Budget ⤵️ buff.ly/qVc9CWs
Read 'No half measures' now, to learn more about what it will take to set child poverty on a downward course at the Autumn Budget ⤵️ buff.ly/qVc9CWs
Really good to see these communal food waste bins now being installed on Tower Hamlets Council's estates. There is rightly a legal requirement to introduce separate food waste collections by 2027. LBTH Waste Services must reduce the no. of missed collections to ensure this project is successful
October 31, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Really good to see these communal food waste bins now being installed on Tower Hamlets Council's estates. There is rightly a legal requirement to introduce separate food waste collections by 2027. LBTH Waste Services must reduce the no. of missed collections to ensure this project is successful
Reposted by Cllr Marc Francis
Reposted by Cllr Marc Francis
Today we’ve launched the Social Insights Panel, a group of civil society leaders led by @pollyneate.bsky.social FGF Policy Associate & former Shelter CEO, who will use their expertise to feed into the government’s public service reform plans.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/the-social-i...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/the-social-i...
The Social Insights Panel
The Social Insights Panel
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Today we’ve launched the Social Insights Panel, a group of civil society leaders led by @pollyneate.bsky.social FGF Policy Associate & former Shelter CEO, who will use their expertise to feed into the government’s public service reform plans.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/the-social-i...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/the-social-i...
Reposted by Cllr Marc Francis
Elon Musk continues to try to socialise civil war, political & inter-ethnic violence in Britain. He combines an argument that violence is inevitable with his call at the Tommy Robinson rally for pre-emptive violence, on grounds of an existential threat & the inevitability of violence
October 29, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Elon Musk continues to try to socialise civil war, political & inter-ethnic violence in Britain. He combines an argument that violence is inevitable with his call at the Tommy Robinson rally for pre-emptive violence, on grounds of an existential threat & the inevitability of violence