Elect Zahra, Arshan and Jack in May 2026!

Aim

Elect Zahra Kheyre, Arshan Baskaran and Dr Jack Pickard to Newham Council in the May 2026 local elections!

Arshan, Jack and Zahra are standing for The Green Party in the May 2026 local elections in the ward of Forest Gate South.

They've been out campaigning for many months, meeting the residents of Forest Gate South, collecting and analysing data about resident issues, meeting with key organisations, producing and distributing literature across the ward, and developing plans and policies to make Forest Gate South a safer, healthier, greener place.

During the past few months, with help from an amazing volunteer team, they have:

📝 Surveyed over 300 households

📰 Delivered 3 leaflet rounds to 17 000 residents

👂 Listened and responded to resident concerns including crime, drug use, sex work, fly-tipping, housing and the cost of living

👥 Met with food bank providers, alcohol and drugs workers, refuse managers and others to understand local challenges

📈 Shared data with drug and alcohol workers to help them target their service more effectively

📖 Supported the movement to prevent local library closure

🚫 Taken a strong stance against council corruption

🚴 Promoted the creation and use of segregated cycle lanes

🚮 Helped create effective policy around fly-tipping and other refuse issues

🏛 Raised questions at Full Council meetings, including demanding that the council takes practical measures to address social issues in Newham

Zahra Kheyre is a campaigner for special educational needs and full time carer to her son who is autistic. With a psychology and criminology background Zahra has campaigned for better support and services for special educational needs. Having fled war in Somaliland Zahra knows the struggle of deprivation and has tirelessly worked to create better services and support for families in Newham, focusing on social justice and accessibility to services for all.

Arshan Baskaran is a second-generation small business owner and lifelong Newham resident. With a background in Economics and Finance, he runs his family’s printing business, which has served the local community for over 35 years. Growing up immersed in a family enterprise built on hard work and creativity, Arshan understands the pressures facing small businesses, high streets, and working families in Newham.

Through his work, he supports local artists, community groups, and grassroots organisations, and sees first-hand the challenges residents face — from rising costs to lack of investment in public spaces. Arshan believes in practical, community-led solutions, greater transparency in local decision-making, and building a greener, fairer Newham for the next generation.

Dr Jack Pickard is a consultant paediatrician who has a background of charitable work across the globe. He has worked all accross London from Newham Hospital to Great Ormond Street. He has advanced data skills including publication in artificial intelligence. Before studying medicine Jack was a support worker for children with severe learning difficulties. Jack worked front line in intensive care during the pandemic. He has lived in the neighbouring ward of East Ham for seven years. He has a young daughter, and wants to do all he can to make the world a better place for her to grow up in.

Help Jack, Zahra and Arshan make a positive difference in Newham! They are ready, willing and able to put in the hard work it takes to be good councillors. They bring passion and commitment to their work. The Green Party is in a position to make major gains across the country. Newham has been recognised as a borough where some of the greatest successes could be achieved, including winning 16 councillors or more, and electing a Green mayor! With your help we can secure this ground-breaking achievement!

 
Any donations not spent in this campaign will be used to fund future Green Party election campaigns by Newham Green Party.

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All donations received are subject to the regulations of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

If you wish to donate more than £500, you must be a citizen of the UK and be on the UK electoral roll. Donations over £500 from any ineligible donor will be returned.

Promoted by Mark Harris on behalf of Newham Green Party at International House, 12 Constance Street, London E16 2DQ.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made