2022 CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL ELECTION FOR TETTENHALL REGIS

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STATEMENT: RESULT OF 2022 CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL ELECTION FOR TETTENHALL REGIS

Kashmire Hawker • 8 May 2022

A BIG Thanks for the support on Thursday! My reaction to the results and what's next!

WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands, UK – 15:00PM BST, Sunday 8th May 2022

I wish to give my warmest personal congratulations, to the Conservative and Unionist Party’s Sohail Khan on his Re-Election as Councillor for the City of Wolverhampton Council ward of Tettenhall Regis on Thursday May 5th, 2022.

Regardless of your political afflation, anyone who is Elected and then Re-Elected to serve residents is very much respected in my eyes and I give him and his family my best wishes for the coming 12 months.

I of course also give my appreciation to Julian Donald of the Liberal Democrats and Christopher Brookes of the Green Party for participating on the ballot.

I thank my Agent Barbara Gwinnett for her as always brilliant support, her husband Don who took on the mantle as Candidate in Tettenhall Wightwick and Helen Lewis – all of whom have been utterly superb in the last few weeks with more than 2,000 Election Addresses posted alongside 1,000 Get Out The Vote Cards.

This is also extended to all those across Wolverhampton Labour for their assistance, as well as The Co-operative Party for their financial contribution and support too.

Most of all, my biggest thanks goes to the 1,107 residents of Regis who expressed their confidence and trust in me and the Labour and Co-operative Party, which percentage wise put me on 34.94% - which humblingly is our 2ND HIGHEST percentage result in Labour’s history in Regis!

Our percentage result is 2.05% down on 2018, which as a result of a lower turnout and the way which the Conservatives advanced in 2019 and 2021. BUT to achieve the percentage above, as well achieve over 1,000 votes for the 2nd straight year AND to SLASH the Conservatives lead in 2021 of 1,080 votes and 28.69% to 507 and 15.99% in 12 months, is both a tremendous advance for my party and sends a serious warning and message to the Government that the people of Aldersley, Claregate and North Tettenhall aren’t happy!

This was summed up by Labour across our city with us winning 17 of the 20 wards, resulting in the same performance as 2018. I am of course saddened with the loss of Bushbury North and the exceptional voice of Alan Butt who was an incredible champion for a wonderful community and I pay tribute to him for his constant support. I’m proud to call Alan a friend.

However I was thrilled (as per the above image!) with us GAINING Merry Hill ward for only the 2ND TIME EVER; not least with a win of 6 votes by Carol Hyatt! This extraordinary result has no doubt sent the Conservatives here in the city into complete disarray - not least through a tweet from our leader Ian Brookfield following Friday’s Labour Group meeting; and that knowing that they Regained the seat won in 2016 last year by 677 votes and by a lead of 19%.

For that to be overturned in 12 months very much brings the other 2 seats there, along with Penn which Celia Hibbert increased her win from 20 to 290 right into play within 2023’s All Out Elections, as on the new Boundaries which as stated with glee in January had me successfully contribute to changing three ward names!

On next year, the results this week present me with a considerable number of options to consider regarding where I could stand, if re-adopted on the Panel of Candidates. Unless my job post the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games would bar me from running, I do confirm my intention is very much to seek Election as part of Labour’s 60 strong team on May 4th, 2023.

And as a member of the group’s Local Government Committee, I join my colleagues in an agreed view back in February to ensure that West Midlands Labour enables us, to begin the Selection Processes as soon as possible.

Knowing as to my reflections and thoughts on 2021’s torrid results and the place it left us in, I feel immensely optimistic about what the future holds for our party; both across our city and the West Midlands. The results across the Black Country, Birmingham, Redditch, Rugby and Worcester are deeply encouraging knowing of 12 months ago and are positive steps on the road back to regional and national power.

Helping to seek that power and change lives, is what will be at the heart of my soon-to-be ignited campaign for Young Labour UK’s West Midlands Representative as announced on February 25 ^th and I very much invite all Young Labour groups, Constituency Labour Party’s and Trade Unions (not least my own in Community the Union) across the region, to consider the plan I am putting forward so our party’s work across our region is strengthened and has Unity at its heart. 3 YL/CLP’s need to nominate to get me on the ballot by June 17^th’s deadline and my inbox is open in wishing to persuade colleagues to that and support me.

Finally, I want to give my wholehearted congratulations to all those I know across the UK who were deemed “Duly Elected” over the last few days! Even if I am part of a small number who didn’t hear those words, I have been beaming over the successes of party colleagues; not least those fellow Young Members who will now serve people across their communities and bring such unique experience to local authorities up and down the land.

Particular shoutouts have go to fellow Sheffield Hallam University Alumni in Laura-Lunn Bates in Kew ward, Southport and Nabeela Mowlana in Park and Arbourthrone, Sheffield alongside fellow Young Fabian member Kira Lewis in Higham Hill ward, Waltham Forest, Simran Cheema and Connor Horton, just across the way in Willenhall South ward, Walsall and fellow Wolves fan Adrian Hughes in Upper Gornal and Woodsetton ward, down the road in Dudley.

All of you will be absolutely stellar in serving the people and I cannot wait to see the impact which you will make.

On that and after a bit more sleep, I massively look forward to the coming months, with May 16th seeing me return as a Solutions for the Planet BIG Ideas judge for a 3rd straight year, which delightfully will be in person here in Wolverhampton, alongside volunteering at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant with the National Citizen Service (NCS), getting started on Wolverhampton Wanderers Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group for the 2022/2023 Season, finally ending the 3 year wait to return to the British Grand Prix, in the colours of the Pink and Blue as a Silverstone Race Maker and being part of the Launch of Changing Our Lives Colouring Between The Lines a few weeks later at the Black Cultural Archives.

All this alongside the phenomenal Birmingham 2022 Festival and the excitement of the Games between July 28th-August 8th and completing my Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at the Organising Committee, will create many more memories and undoubtedly opportunities.

And on the back of me taking a mega step towards my dream of serving Wulfrunians, I know it will be truly worth it and I know that my late brother Kieran, today looks down with even greater pride.

NOTE: Declaration of The Result of Poll

Election on Thursday May 5th, 2022 of a Councillor, to serve for the City of Wolverhampton Council ward of Tettenhall Regis

Votes Cast: 3,169

Ballot Papers Issued: 3,184

Turnout: 34.18%

Votes and Percentages Per Candidate (Changes on 2018):

Sohail Khan – The Conservative Party Candidate: 1,614 – 50.93% (-0.85%)

KASHMIRE HAWKER – Labour and Co-operative Party: 1,107 – 34.94% (-2.05%)

Julian Donald – Liberal Democrat: 241 – 7.60% (+0.33%)

Chris Brookes – Green Party: 207 – 6.53% (+2.57%)

ENDS

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World Autism Awareness Day 2025 - Personal Reflections and an Announcement

by Kashmire Hawker • 2 April 2025

With 2025’s World Autism Awareness Day being today, I can’t help but reflect on how much there is to do in giving the next generation the opportunities they deserve, but that many are relishing the opportunity to input and fighting for better. Last Thursday night, I as an associate of Changing Our Lives along with others did a half hour presentation to 30 young and aspiring footballers at Sporting Khalsa in Willenhall, as part of a project that seeks to break down perceptions of Autism and Learning Disability in the South Asian Community. I came away from that feeling really encouraged and pleased, at the understanding and real sense of compassion which those youngsters had for one another and illustrates the immense power of education when in action. It also made me reflect on just how much I have personally done and achieved. A University Graduate, someone who has sat on both set of benches in special Parliamentary sittings, visited Number 10, being a guest at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, having my first full-time job at the biggest major event that my part of the world has ever seen, then moving on to being a part of regional government, as well as volunteering at the Home of Motorsport regularly, being an advocate for various organisations in the disability, sustainability and cultural spaces and running to serve my home City for four years, are all things which for someone like me usually shouldn’t happen! But all that and much more has occurred, which just shows that when the right support is there and by working as hard as you can, people in their own ways can reach the stars. All as above mentioned feel beyond my wildest dreams, but with employment for Autistic and Neurodiverse people still incredibly low and opportunities being limited all thanks to perceptions and diagnoses, as well as broken systems holding millions back: there is still A LOT more to do. Knowing all that I have questioned myself intently: what more can I do as part of such an important mission? Well, with me having scooped 5,102 votes from four Local Government Elections since 2021, even if the last two polls have been incredibly narrow failures which have naturally drained some confidence, I am firmly of the belief that having skin the game, utilising and highlighting personal experiences and willing to go above and beyond in the service of others, is far better than sitting on the sidelines as some, particularly of other generations have somewhat suggested. As a 27 year old whose generation has had potential squashed and opportunities reduced; particularly fellow Autistic and Neurodivergent people and those who reside in communities which has been chronic underinvestment, sitting back for me will never been option. And seeing too, contrary to many narratives and views of some, that many are able to juggle personal lives, alongside their careers, representational responsibilities and other things; I cannot see why that should hinder my aspiration and mission of giving back to the place which I am grateful for opening up all I have done, since becoming a Wulfrunian in 2009. So after very lengthy and hard fought consideration in the last several months and with processes now underway, I do today confirm it’s my intention to apply to be part of The Labour Party’s approved Panel of Candidates and therefore seek selection for the City of Wolverhampton Council Elections on Thursday May 7th 2026 . There have been many points which I have come very close to walking away and putting out a statement declining to apply to be on the Panel of Candidates, not least through things which have been stated and which I believe deliberately and by calculation seek to discourage people like me. I however, as I feel I have shown at many stages in my life, am not one for quitting and with my experiences, growing knowledge and unlimited passion for seeking to be a real change maker and a contributor for the common good, feel that my time to step up that service through Local Government, has duly arrived. I thus look forward to again seeking to submit myself for even greater service in the coming months and if selected by a Branch, will embrace campaigning in seeking what is right. And knowing that I have sought to serve others in the past 13 years, I state that why can’t others who have wonky glasses like me, who take a little longer to think stuff through like me and who perhaps need a few more folks to give them a hand, be able to be a change maker too! I will look forward to updating you all on this and other things down the line, with humility rooted in my heart.

Remarks to West Midlands Labour Party Regional Conference - March 1st 2025

by Kashmire Hawker • 1 March 2025

My remarks to WM Labour Regional Conference on March 1st 2025.

Happy New Year! 2024 Review Part 2 and 2025 Look Ahead

by Kashmire Hawker • 31 December 2024

A Very Happy New Year! A few more Reflections on 2024 and a 2025 Preview

Season's Greetings and some 2024 Reflections

by Kashmire Hawker • 23 December 2024

As 2024 comes toward an end, I can say that this year for me has been one of change, one of further development and one of opening my eyes in many ways. In typing this reflection, I feel immensely satisfied and proud to have made this year my first in a full-time job without a fixed end date, in an organisation of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has plenty of opportunities for me to consider in the coming months and years and working within in an outstanding team. I also feel hugely delighted at continuing to give my time in voluntary service, not least through Parkrun, Silverstone and in the perhaps once in a generation Champions League Final at Wembley in the Summer, as well as raise £405, in two events of the Great Birmingham Run of £130 for Cure Leukemia and £275 at the Molineux Sleepout for Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and The Good Shepherd. On top, to have again sought office to serve my home city for a fourth year running and garnered 1,656 votes (even if not a winning total!), as well as contributed to successful wider political campaigning for my party’s and substantially expanded on my engagement in them gave me a privilege and deeper fire in the belly than ever before, in giving back to Wulfrunians. Finally, many more runs, seeing Taylor Swift, Kaiser Chiefs and The Darkness in concert, plus a sublime Musical about the pop heroes in Steps, marching at two Pride events, continuing engagement with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Solutions for the Planet and Changing Our Lives and completing a fantastic personal development programme on getting younger folk as Trustees in Arts and Cultural organisations, have all formed part of another busy 12 months. Naturally however, losing an Election and your best furry friend in my house’s dog Harley, alongside needing to help move my Mum to a safer place, all in the space of 7 weeks stung greatly in May and June. The death of a beloved dog and family member and Mum’s house move were not easy financially to deal with, but I managed it as has been the case with previous years. This year has also meant some greatly more honest and blunt conversations, which have burnt a few bridges with once seen trustworthy allies and pals. Being straight and upfront however is sometimes the best course and I don’t regret that for one moment, not least when the mind is burdened enough with day-to-day activity. Those things have definitely made me really realised that the world is a big and lonely place, and that sense of loneliness continues to affect my thoughts. This no doubt feels true and always will do at Christmas, with December 25th being the anniversary of Kieran’s passing in 2021 aged just 25 and I frankly will never know how to truly feel on the day itself. Knowing he is not here to share Christmas lunch will always put a size 9 boot dent in my heart. Having said that, I have good people around me and I give my wholehearted thanks to all for your continued support and good wishes, at what will forever be a sensitive and mournful point of the year, in my family’s life. In whatever way which you and your family mark this festive and new year period, I hope it is as enjoyable and peaceful as it possibly can be and that it gives a chance to rest and be with those closest to you, as well as embrace it being the season of giving, whether gifts or love. A further blog post, or two, on reflecting 2024 and looking ahead to 2025 shall come before the clock hits midnight next Wednesday.

Co-operative Party Youth Network Election 2024 - Candidate Statement

by Kashmire Hawker • 16 December 2024

The Co-operative Party has been a natural home for me for towards five years and gives me a brilliant platform to shout about and run on critical issues. As Chair of the Walsall, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire, Branch and as a Labour and Co-operative candidate in Local Elections in my home City of Wolverhampton since 2021, I’m proud to make an impact and with the party’s immense expansion over the years, I would be honoured to play a bigger part. And as someone with experience in Youth Representation – most recently with the West Midlands Young Combined Authority and Labour Party wise as the current Policy and Political Education Officer for the Wolverhampton West CLP, I feel ready to use that skill set to the full. Thus, if Elected as a Youth Committee Member, I will: Help to establish a WM Young Co-operative Youth Network spread right across my region, which is not just stuck within the Metropolitan centre; Work with Labour groups across my region, for them to Elect a Co-operative Rep on to their committee s; Engage with our friends In Trade Unions, Fabians Society and The Labour Party to run joint events; whether campaigning, educational or socially; Work with colleagues to ensure events are accessible as possible, not least for Neurodiverse people ; Join Young Co-operators up and down the nation in campaignin g; And be Accountable and Transparent in my work as per the Nolan Principles, so fellow Members can question me at any moment . We have a wonderful opportunity to shape the Party’s future and with a Labour and Co-operative Government now in place, it would be a huge privilege for myself to play a part. Please vote Kashmire Hawker for Youth Committee. Thank You!