Cllr Liam Shrivastava
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liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Cllr Liam Shrivastava
@liamshrivastava.bsky.social
300 followers 220 following 68 posts
@lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social‬ Councillor for New Cross Gate and Leader of the Green Group on @lewisham.gov.uk‬
| Anti-racist, anti-fascist | Work in the migration sector
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liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Cllr Kim Powell’s reselection as a candidate by @lewishamlabour.bsky.social proves they care more about protecting their own than listening to the victims of spiritual abuse.

Deeming her fit to represent them confirms the woeful standard of Labour candidates.

Hither Green deserves better.
November 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
It seems @teamlabouruk.bsky.social Mayors in @islington-council.bsky.social and @lewisham.gov.uk appear happy to allow the UCKG to use their offices to launder its reputation.

This is a dereliction of duty and standards investigations must now take place.
November 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
A packed out meeting hall of @lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social tonight 🤩

Our membership secretary announced we're currently on 2,059 members and rising 🚀

Something special is happening. Get involved at join.greenparty.org.uk 💚
October 28, 2025 at 11:27 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Awaab's Law has now come into effect. But is @lewisham.gov.uk ready to meet it's obligations as a landlord?

After a damning Housing Ombudsman report, I've written to the Cabinet Member and Director for Housing to get assurances for our residents.

#awaabslaw #dampandmould
October 28, 2025 at 6:26 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
I have written to @brendadacres.bsky.social, @ese-erheriene.bsky.social and @jamesjwalsh.bsky.social regarding @lewisham.gov.uk's use of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) against local businesses and its potential disproportionate impacts on migrant communities.

🔗HTML
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
October 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Great weekend campaigning in Ladywell, Telegraph Hill and New Cross Gate with @lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social

Spoke to lots of frustrated Labour voters who now intend to vote green 💚

Labour has failed our communities - the Greens are here to replace them. #GetGreensElected
September 14, 2025 at 6:16 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Here in Lewisham, we have little time to waste. As Leader of @lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social on Lewisham Council, I want us to pitch an ambitious eco-socialist vision for the borough at our council elections in May - and I want members of our diverse communities to shape it.
August 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
With the growing threat from the far-right, we can’t afford to fall into the pitfalls of left populism - over-reliance on individual figureheads and top-down structures - we need to empower people and communities through self-organisation.
The populist paradox For these initiatives to have a positive impact on the local elections next May, we have to be active right now. This reality poses a problem for ‘Your Party’, which will be spending the autumn planning its conference, deciding what to call itself and how it will be structured as a party. Meanwhile, its 700,000+ supporters will be waiting for something to happen – as a Polanski-led Green party is attempting to shape the political weather. One of left populism’s greatest strengths – for a leader to act as a lightning rod for radical change – is also its biggest weakness. While figureheads are crucial for rallying a constituency of support, they can also have a demobilising effect where supporters become passive cheerleaders. At that point, political action is reduced to internal voting, online activism, endless WhatsApp chats, meetings and canvassing, and focus on national over local issues. While all important, none of these activities allow for activists and supporters to express their agency – all are left waiting for the leader(s). People are tired of having politics ‘done to them’. It’s time for a politics of self-organisation.
August 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Irrespective of whether socialists find themselves in the Greens or the new project, both require grassroots organising, empowering members to ‘legislate from below’ as @jonasmarvin.bsky.social and others have argued
Legislation from below Jonas Marvin argues that a key ingredient for left party success is ‘to create a generation of working class organisers inside and outside of official politics’. This ‘legislation from below’ could take the form of helping to organise striking workers, working with tenants unions or supporting Palestine solidarity activists – for example by backing their demands for councils to divest from genocide. Such a politics contributes to localised power bases and struggles that meet the material needs of working-class communities. We have started to focus on these needs in the Lewisham Green party. After defecting from Labour, one of my first acts as leader of the Lewisham Council Green group was tabling such a pensions divestment motion. We later held a public workshop to hear residents’ priorities, and these will shape our council elections manifesto next year. We plan to hold more workshops, asking what diverse communities want from Green councillors and how we can better support existing community action. This could encourage new Green councillor candidates to step forwards. At present, the inaccessible, discriminatory and opaque nature of party politics excludes many activists from finding a political voice.
August 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
It's been a minute since I left Labour and joined the @greenparty.org.uk Here's a message on what @lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social have been up to and why YOU should join us.

We're building a real alternative in Lewisham. Join us and become a part of it

Drop a comment below 👇 or send me a message 📥
August 13, 2025 at 9:29 AM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Excited to have voted for what I think will make a strong and complimentary @greenparty.org.uk Leadership team:

@zackpolanski.bsky.social for Leader

@mothinali.bsky.social (1) & @rachelmillward.bsky.social (2) as Deputies

Let's go!
August 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Green spaces for people to grow are incredibly limited in boroughs like Lewisham and there are currently 8,499 people on the Council’s allotment waiting list. Many have to wait years for a plot, with some waiting times as long as 13 years.
August 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Following Angela Rayner's announcement that Councils will be allowed to sell off allotments and other community assets, I have today written to @brendadacres.bsky.social asking for a commitment that @lewisham.gov.uk will not sell any of its 37 allotment sites
Dear Brenda, I hope you’re well and have been enjoying the Summer recess. You will have seen the Secretary of State's recent announcement that Councils will be allowed to sell off allotment sites to raise revenue. As you know, green spaces for people to grow food and other plants are incredibly limited in boroughs like Lewisham and there are currently 8,499 people on the Council’s allotment waiting list. Many of these people will have to wait years for a plot, with some waiting times as long as 13 years. I’m sure you would agree that it would be incredibly unfair and distressing for a resident who has waited over a decade for a green space to be told the Council is selling it off. Selling allotment sites is likely to have a disproportionate impact on marginalised residents. As the Health Foundation has found, people in more deprived areas, minority ethnic groups and younger people are less likely to have access to green space. Allotments are also vital for improving people’s wellbeing, combating loneliness and ensuring a more sustainable environment. I recognise we are facing a housing crisis here in London, but housebuilding must not threaten what precious little green space we have available. Given the numerous social, environmental and health benefits of these precious community assets, I am asking you to reassure residents with a public commitment that Lewisham Council will not sell any of its 37 allotment sites. I would be very happy to meet with you to discuss these concerns at a convenient time. Yours sincerely, Cllr Liam Shrivastava Leader of the Lewisham Green Party Group Councillor for New Cross Gate Ward London Borough of Lewisham
August 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
I know residents and cyclists are concerned over the recent closure outside this tunnel by Senegal Road along the Q10 cycle route near Surrey Canal Road.

This is due to district heating installation by SELCHP. Unfortunately, the path is expected to be blocked off until the end of October
July 25, 2025 at 5:11 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Excellent policy session with @lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social tonight!

The local party is fizzing with brilliant ideas on the housing crisis, the environment and making the borough truly representative of our diverse communities

Help us build something transformative ⬇️

join.greenparty.org.uk
July 22, 2025 at 9:51 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
It's very telling that @lewishamlabour.bsky.social's quote to @mylondyn.bsky.social makes no mention of Gaza or Palestine.

Other than writing to LCIV and talking to unions, their amended motion is not much different to the one I was disciplined for last September. Funny that.
The Pensions Investment Committee agrees to explore its exposure, proximity and investment in companies involved in a) The arms trade b) Any companies associated with or whose activities facilitate human rights abuses c) Any companies who operate within an area considered Occupied Territory under International law With a view to review and update its responsible investment policy to move away from such investments. And that a definition, including how the committee defines the arms trade is agreed at the next meeting of the Pensions Investment Committee or as soon as practicable. Proposed by Cllr Tauseef Anwar Seconder: Cllr Liam Shrivastava
July 21, 2025 at 8:09 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Labour's hands are far from clean

As former Lewisham citizen, Desmond Tutu, once said

“Those who turn a blind eye to injustice actually perpetuate injustice. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor”
#FreePalestine
2/2
@lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social
July 21, 2025 at 7:39 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
"The masks have fallen. This is a western genocide. Israel plays an important role in the US-led imperial global order… it is a self-styled western outpost...It is armed to the teeth. And it does the west's dirty work” - @nimersultany.bsky.social

Part 1 of my 🇵🇸 divest speech at @lewisham.gov.uk
July 21, 2025 at 7:35 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
I spoke to @politicshome.bsky.social about how Labour's control-freakery makes it a dead-end for socialists - as evidenced by the farce in @southwarklabour.bsky.social and the MP suspensions.

This could mean some BIG @greenparty.org.uk gains in London next year👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The threat to Labour's left flank The government's focus on taking the fight to Reform on issues like immigration, as well as contentious decisions in areas like welfare, has triggered warnings that Labour risks shedding support and activists to other parties of the left, like the Greens. Liam Shrivastava, leader of the Green opposition on Lewisham Council, claimed that Labour councillors face a “serious threat” of losing their seats in May 2026. Shrivastava, who was a Labour councillor until he defected last month, said that when he was still in the party, it "was losing canvassers who refuse to campaign or have left the party". One chair of a Constituency Labour Party recently told PoliticsHome they had heard activists contemplating their membership following changes to asylum policy in January. Tensions between the Labour leadership and the party left have surfaced once again in recent days. In Westminster, Starmer removed the party whip from four MPs for rebellious behaviour, while in Southwark, south London, the party's high command was accused of a stitch-up after the election for borough leader was re-run. Left-wing candidate James McAsh won the first vote. However, complaints about the use of proxy voting led to another vote, which was won by Sarah King, a candidate regarded as being from the right of the party. Shrivastava said the episode in Southwark showed why Labour had become a "dead end for socialists". The Greens came second in 18 of the London constituencies at the July general election, and the party's head of elections, Chris Williams, told PoliticsHome that the Greens see 2026 as a “big opportunity” as Labour support “crumbles on the doorstep”. The party is looking to make inroads in Hackney — where suspended Labour MP Diane Abbott is an MP — as well as Lewisham.
July 21, 2025 at 5:22 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Last night, @lewisham.gov.uk voted to divest its pensions investments away from genocide.

This is a huge win for the divest campaign and demonstrates the power of activism.

A few months ago, Labour was punishing Cllrs like me for bringing Palestine divestment motions, now it’s voting for them.
Last night, Lewisham Council voted to divest its pensions investments away from companies complicit with Israel’s ongoing genocide. This is a massive win for the Lewisham divest campaign and demonstrates the power of activism. A few months ago, Lewisham Labour group was punishing councillors like me for bringing Palestine divestment motions, now it’s voting for them. The Green opposition is redrawing the political map in Lewisham and whilst I’m disappointed in Labour’s attempts to water down our motion, it can no longer backslide on this issue. I look forward to holding the Council to its commitments as a reinstated member of the Pensions Investment Committee. Cllr Liam Shrivastava Leader of the Opposition Lewisham Green Party Group
July 17, 2025 at 10:06 AM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Proud to submit a @lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social motion to @lewisham.gov.uk, committing to divestment from genocide.

Cllrs will also consider a divestment petition signed by over 3000 residents.

Let's make Lewisham an apartheid-free borough! 🇵🇸
councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/documents/s1...
Proposer: Cllr Liam Shrivastava Seconder: Cllr Hau-Yu Tam This Council notes: On 26 January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued provisional measures in the case brought by South Africa against Israel concerning the crisis in Gaza. The Court ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide, ensure its military does not commit genocide, prevent and punish incitement to genocide, and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. A further ruling by the ICJ on 24 May 2024 set out obligations of third states such as the UK to prevent genocide and ensure humanitarian access in Gaza. The ruling calls on all states to halt the delivery of weapons to Israel that could be used in acts of genocide or other violations of international law. On 19 July 2024, the ICJ ruled Israel to be unlawfully occupying Palestinian land in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. According to LGPS Divest, £65,832,596 of Lewisham’s pension fund is in investments with 30 companies complicit in Israel’s illegal occupation and the aforementioned violations, representing 3.6% of its total fund. On 19 September 2024, the Pensions Investment Committee resolved to explore its proximity, exposure and investment with companies involved in the arms trade, human rights abuse and those that operate within an area considered occupied territory under international law, with a view to reviewing and updating its Responsible Investment policy, to move away from such investments and, to agree on a definition of arms trade. The Council believes 1. We all have a responsibility to stand with Palestinians in the face of genocide and do everything in our power to bring such suffering to an end within a peaceful settlement. 2. In light of numerous rulings by the ICJ, the council is, as an arm of UK government, obligated to observe international law, which includes taking all necessary steps to prevent genocide, as set out in the genocide convention. 3. Stemming from the obligations laid out by the ICJ, councils must avoid procuring from or investing the funds they manage, including Local Government Pension Scheme funds, in companies that facilitate Israel's breaches of international law. This includes arms companies producing weapons and military technology used by Israel in its attacks on Palestinians, as well as financial institutions which finance these arms companies. 4. Councils are free to take human rights and other ethical considerations on board when making financial decisions. The Council resolves to request the Pension Investments Committee to: 5. Disclose and divest all of its pensions investments with companies complicit with Israel’s illegal acts. 6. Exclude companies in the Passive Equity Progressive Paris Aligned Fund (PEPPA) pension fund which are recognised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as being engaged in illegal activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Companies currently in PEPPA’s portfolio that need to be excluded by this standard include Booking.com, Airbnb, and Israeli banks including Bank Leumi Le-Israel and Bank Hapoalim as examples. 7. Write to LCIV requesting the addition of exclusionary criteria to existing funds to meet the above commitment. 8. Invite members of the divestment campaign to address the committee at a future meeting. 9. Formally consult trade unions, representing employees invested in the fund, in investment decisions and explore formal representation of unions in the council’s investment decision processes, including a co-opted seat on the Pensions Investment Committee.
July 8, 2025 at 7:35 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
Productive first advice surgery as a @lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social Councillor in New Cross Gate!

Supporting a local business and discussing how we can improve road safety around Haberdashers Hatcham Primary with a concerned parent.

Thanks to All Saints as ever for hosting 💚
July 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
The Amiel & Melburn Annual lecture is happening this Wednesday!

A stellar lineup discussing how the Left can resist the Rise of the Radical Right, hosted at Birkbeck.

@kojokoram.bsky.social, @irrnews.bsky.social @afoggyplace.bsky.social @bethanyrielly.bsky.social @robtoes.bsky.social
June 30, 2025 at 11:01 AM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
It's not just me @lewishamlabour.bsky.social targeted. My @lewishamgreenparty.bsky.social colleague @tamhauyu.bsky.social was falsely accused of organising a Palestine protest and suspended by the party.

This is how Labour shamefully treats those speaking out against genocide.
The Labour party previously subjected another Lewisham councillor, Hau-Yu Tam, to a disciplinary proceeding accusing her of organising a protest at a council meeting in November 2023, which she denies. The council had refused to discuss a motion submitted by Tam to support a ceasefire in Gaza. Tam was given a formal warning despite finding that she did not organise a protest. She told Novara Media that it had a "chilling effect" on dissent among local Labour councillors which had been building at the time. "I think because I got suspended, first of all it had an impact on my voice but collectively it had a chilling effect on how people were willing to speak up. Some who were on the fence stopped speaking completely and some who were more strategic became more canny." Tam left Labour in July 2024 and sat as an independent socialist councillor before joining the Green party.
June 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM
liamshrivastava.bsky.social
I also raised concerns about the Council's links to a controversial evangelical church, led by a Bolsanaro supporting Brazilian Billionaire. An employee of the church, Kim Powell was in Mayor @brendadacres.bsky.social cabinet

Mayor Dacres' response?

More threats of disciplinary action
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) is an evangelical protestant Church which has been accused of pressuring its members to donate large amounts of money, encouraging them to cut ties with friends and family, telling them that their mental health issues or sexuality were caused by demon possession, and showing them images of dead bodies as a warning of what happens if they leave.(The Church has said that its former members "promote hatred" against the church and "vilify" its beliefs) Shrivastava wrote to Lewisham mayor Brenda Dacres after the council nominated the group for a community award and was involved in an "interfaith walk for peace". Dacres responded by giving Shrivastava a telling off for his"uncomradely" behaviour and said,"I would very much welcome the opportunity to meet with you and the Chief Whip to remind you of what is expected as a member of this group."
June 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM